“Eff Off Hef” - Women plan protests as Hugh Hefner Playboy club prepares to open in Mayfair

Published: 27 May 2011
by PAVAN AMARA

HUNDREDS of women are planning protests to coincide with the opening of a new Playboy club in Mayfair.

A group called “Eff Off Hef” – a collaboration of Object and UK Feminista – will demonstrate outside the club in Old Park Lane on June 4. 

They say they will greet Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, who is flying over from Los Angeles for the launch, with cries of “Eff Off, Hef!”

So far 116 women have confirmed their attendance on a Facebook page. 

Anna van Heeswijk, of Object, said: “The Playboy club degrades women as fluffy animals who are marketed as sexual playthings for wealthy men. 

“It presents itself as classy and sophisticated but there is nothing classy or sophisticated about sexualising and objectifying women as bunny rabbits. 

“It is not sexual liberation to serve men when you’re dressed in bunny ears and a fluffy tail. It’s the sexual fantasy of an 85-year-old man.”

The new club comes 30 years after its predecessor establishment closed. 

Playboy clubs are just one of a myriad of products licensed by Playboy Enterprises, whose other interests include adult films, websites, TV programming and stationery.

Kat Banyard, director of UK Feminista, said: “When it comes to today’s pornography industry all roads lead back to Playboy…” 

She added: “Playboy markets its brand to children through Playboy pencil cases and bed covers, and it grooms young girls into porn culture.”

The private members’ club will feature a casino, dining room, cocktail bar and terrace as well as the signature Playboy bunny hostesses. 

Mr Hefner said: “When we first opened the Playboy club in London it was one of my favourite times for the brand. 

“With Playboy now more popular than ever, I look forward to our return and again sharing the notions that are celebrated in the magazine, the concept of good food and drink, pretty girls, and exciting entertainment.”