In spite of all she put him through, Hugh Hefner, 86, is engaged once more to 26-year-old Playboy bunny Crystal Harris.
In June 2011, Harris left the Playboy Mansion just five days before their wedding, attempted to sell her engagement ring, and fought the octogenarian for custody of their dog.
Reports indicate that ‘Harris and Hef are happier than ever since she moved back into the Playboy Mansion earlier this year. The couple has resolved their past issues and has recently decided to give marriage another shot.’
Further claims suggest that ‘Harris learned to be independent and stand on her own during the time apart from Hefner, a lesson she deemed necessary.’
According to traditional etiquette, if the bride-to-be calls off the wedding, she should return the engagement ring.
However, after leaving her former fiancé Hugh Hefner at the altar, Harris not only kept the three-carat diamond ring valued at approximately $90,000 but also took a Bentley with her.
As an added insult, the runaway bride sought custody of their dog, Charlie.
Following the end of their engagement in June 2011, Hefner revealed that Harris allowed him to keep Charlie, their Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
‘We both adore the puppy,’ Hefner shared with People magazine. ‘I mentioned to her that if she wants to keep the ring and the Bentley, perhaps I can keep the puppy. I hope we can resolve this amicably.’
Even as Hefner remains convinced he ‘dodged a bullet’ by not marrying Harris, he stated: ‘The puppy has value, but not worth $100,000.’
Harris announced the cancellation of the nuptials at the very last minute on her website, stating: ‘I have made the decision to end my engagement with Hef. I hold the utmost respect for him and wish him well in the future. I hope the media will allow us the privacy we both need during this time.’
On the day of the planned wedding, she celebrated in Vegas and later gave a radio interview where she remarked: ‘I’m not attracted to Hef. He doesn’t really take off his clothes. I’ve never seen Hef naked.’
Yet, Hefner chose not to retaliate, simply remarking: ‘The breakup is painful, but it’s better now than after the wedding.’
‘When all is considered, being single is likely for the best,’ he tweeted.
He also emphasized that they remained good friends.
The aging lothario took to Twitter the day after their split, expressing his sorrow about the missing dog.
‘Crystal took Charlie when she left,’ he informed.
Nevertheless, he was delighted to reunite with the pooch shortly after.
‘Crystal returned Charlie because she believes he’s happier here, and I’m grateful for it, as I missed him dearly,’ Hefner tweeted.
by Lorelle Heath
