Hugh Hefnerpinterest
Getty Images

Hugh Hefner has died age 91. The Playboy founder died of natural causes at his home.

His son, Cooper Hefner, paid tribute to his father and his "exceptional and impactful life", calling him a "cultural pioneer".

"My father lived an exceptional and impactful life as a media and cultural pioneer and a leading voice behind some of the most significant social and cultural movements of our time in advocating free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom," he said in a statement. "He defined a lifestyle and ethos that lie at the heart of the Playboy brand, one of the most recognisable and enduring in history."

He is survived by his third wife Crystal Harris, and children Cooper, Christie, Marston and David.

Hefner founded Playboy in 1953 and, at its peak, the publication was the best-selling men's magazine in the world. The Playboy brand later expanded to included porn channels, jewellery, homewares fragrances, accessories and clothing - all of which were adorned with the iconic bunny motif. He was a divisive figure - some viewed him as a progressive pioneer of the sexual revolution, while other saw him as as sleazy misogynist who reduced women to objects.

...