Entertainment

Hugh Hefner’s Ex-Wife Kimberley Speaks Out Against Crystal Hefner on January 27, 2024 at 2:06 am Us Weekly

Published

1 year ago

January 27, 2024

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

Hugh Hefner’s second wife, Kimberley Conrad, is speaking out against Crystal Hefner, claiming she’s trying to make “a quick buck” badmouthing the late Playboy founder.

“We should be wary of those who try to destroy things because they are no longer benefiting from them,” Conrad, who was married to Hugh from 1989 to 2011, said in a statement to TMZ on Friday, January 26. (Conrad shared sons Marston and Cooper with Hugh).

Crystal, for her part, was married to Hugh, who was 60 years her senior, from 2012 until his death at age 91 in 2017.

“As a few people speak their version of their idea of events in hopes of riding a wave of headline relevance, and making a quick buck, we should all ask ourselves whether we want to live in an environment where people refuse to take accountability and use words loosely like ‘force’ and ‘survive’ to describe choices they made willingly at a certain point in their own lives,” Conrad continued, claiming Crystal received “notoriety, opportunity and money” during her relationship with Hugh.

In the years following Hugh’s death, Crystal and many other former Playmates, including Girls Next Door castmembers Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt, have spoken out about their time with Hugh.

Conrad fired back at the negative stories about her late ex-husband, saying, “If you want to talk about exploitation, this is exactly what these women have done with Hef in his later years and at the end of his life.”

Crystal released her memoir, Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself, on January 23.

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 24: Hugh Hefner (L) and model Crystal Hefner attend the annual Halloween Party, hosted by Playboy and Hugh Hefner, at the Playboy Mansion on October 24, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Playboy) Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Playboy

Amid the book’s release, she talked about feeling “trapped” during her life at the Playboy mansion, telling Today that her dynamic with Hugh was “weird and it was hard. Looking back, he did use me and manipulate me for his own gain in every way.”

As far as why she waited seven years after Hugh’s death to release her book, Crystal said she needed “time to reflect.”

“I’ve been in a lot of therapy trying to figure it out,” she told NPR on January 24. “Having issues dating now and reflecting back, I’m like things affected me more than I realized, being there in that bubble for a decade. And a lot of people followed our lives, and so I figured I need to get these thoughts down. I need to, you know, write this for them, write this for myself to heal. And hopefully it can help other people.”

Crystal said she hopes to help people in “abusive relationships” and teach young women about “value and self-worth.”

“I know that the Playboy Mansion is a very unique, different place, but some of the lessons are universal,” she continued. “And I think it’s important ’cause Hef controlled the narrative. And at a certain point you realize that you’re losing your own identity and you’re losing yourself. After a while, it eats at you internally.”

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images Hugh Hefner’s second wife, Kimberley Conrad, is speaking out against Crystal Hefner, claiming she’s trying to make “a quick buck” badmouthing the late Playboy founder. “We should be wary of those who try to destroy things because they are no longer benefiting from them,” Conrad, who was married to Hugh from 1989

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Entertainment

Brad Pitt: Full Throttle in F1

Published

2 hours ago

March 14, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt is set to rev up the silver screen in his latest high-octane adventure, “Brad Pitt: Full Throttle in F1.” This eagerly anticipated film promises to deliver a perfect blend of star power and the exhilarating world of Formula 1 racing.

A Star-Studded Ride

Pitt, known for his versatility and charisma, takes on the role of a seasoned F1 driver making a daring comeback to the sport. The actor, now in his early 60s, has reportedly undergone rigorous training to convincingly portray a professional racing driver. His dedication to the role has already generated buzz among both film enthusiasts and F1 fans alike.

Behind the Wheel

The movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski of “Top Gun: Maverick” fame, aims to capture the intense, high-speed world of F1 with unprecedented authenticity. Kosinski’s expertise in action sequences and cutting-edge visual effects promises to deliver a visceral racing experience that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

More Than Just Racing

While the film showcases the thrilling aspects of F1, it also delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of Pitt’s character. The story explores themes of redemption, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of passion, adding depth to the high-speed narrative.

Star-Studded Cast and Crew

Joining Pitt is a talented ensemble cast, including Damson Idris as a promising young driver and Kerry Condon in a key supporting role. The film also boasts the involvement of legendary F1 driver Lewis Hamilton as a producer, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the sport.

Racing to Theaters

“Brad Pitt: Full Throttle in F1″ is slated for a worldwide release in the summer of 2025. With its combination of star power, intense racing action, and compelling storytelling, the film is poised to be a major contender in both the box office and the upcoming awards season.

As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience that will take audiences from the pit lane to the podium in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Entertainment

Fun Size Cinema Showcases Chicago’s Comedic Talent

Published

1 day ago

March 13, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Chicago, known for its rich comedy heritage, is set to celebrate its local comedic talent with the launch of Fun Size Cinema, a new screening series dedicated to showcasing short films, sketches, and other digital comedic works. The event, spearheaded by filmmaker Joelle Velez and her production company Sparkly Productions, will debut on Thursday, March 20th at 6 PM at The Revival theater in Chicago’s South Loop.

Sock it To Me- Short Film directed by Joelle Velez

A Platform for Local Comedy

Fun Size Cinema is designed as a platform for Chicago’s comedians, filmmakers, and improvisers to share their creative work with a broader audience. The series highlights the city’s comedic spirit through curated screenings of diverse content, including short films, sketch comedy, music videos, and comedic documentaries. By fostering connections and collaboration among local creatives, the event aims to build a supportive community for comedy and filmmaking in Chicago.

Joelle Velez explained her inspiration for the series during an interview with WGN News: “Chicago has such a strong comedy legacy—think Harold Ramis and Ghostbusters. We wanted to create a space where local talent could thrive without needing to move to New York or Los Angeles.” She emphasized that Fun Size Cinema offers filmmakers and performers the opportunity to showcase their work while staying rooted in Chicago’s vibrant artistic ecosystem.

Joelle Velez: A Driving Force Behind the Initiative

Joelle Velez, an award-winning filmmaker and graduate of The Second City Film School, brings her extensive experience in comedy and filmmaking to this project. Her production company Sparkly Productions partnered with The Revival theater to bring this vision to life. Velez’s own film Sock It To Me, which has garnered awards like Best Art Comedy at the Katra Film Series Comedy Film Festival, will be featured at the inaugural screening.

Velez’s career reflects her commitment to storytelling and comedy. Her previous works have been selected for over 20 film festivals worldwide, earning multiple awards. With training in improvisation, stand-up comedy, and acting, she is well-equipped to lead this initiative that celebrates Chicago’s comedic talent.

What Audiences Can Expect

The debut screening of Fun Size Cinema will feature nine short films from local creators. Unlike traditional film festivals that often prioritize dramatic or experimental works, this series focuses entirely on comedy—providing a unique space for sketch comedy and other humorous formats that are often overlooked.

Attendees can expect a movie-going experience filled with laughter and creativity. Whether you’re a filmmaker looking to network or simply a comedy enthusiast, Fun Size Cinema promises an evening of entertainment that highlights the exceptional talent within Chicago’s comedy scene.

Continuing Chicago’s Comedy Legacy

By creating opportunities for local comedians and filmmakers to showcase their work, Fun Size Cinema aims to continue Chicago’s legacy as a hub for groundbreaking comedy. As Velez stated during her interview: “There’s so much amazing stuff being made here that people don’t always get the chance to see. We want to create that stage for them.” This initiative not only celebrates Chicago’s comedic roots but also paves the way for future stars in the industry3.

For those interested in attending or learning more about Fun Size Cinema, visit The Revival theater on March 20th at 906 S. Wabash Avenue. Prepare for an evening of laughter, creativity, and community as Chicago’s comedic talent takes center stage.

Entertainment

Opulence Pictures Represents Manchester at SXSW: A Global Stage for Local Talent

Published

1 day ago

March 13, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Opulence Pictures, a Manchester-based film production company, is making waves at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, as part of the official Greater Manchester delegation. This prestigious event, running from March 7-12, has become a global platform for the city’s burgeoning creative industries, with Opulence Pictures at the forefront of showcasing Northern England’s filmmaking potential.

Manchester’s Creative Powerhouse

Greater Manchester, led by Mayor Andy Burnham, has sent its largest and most ambitious delegation to SXSW to date.This move underscores the region’s commitment to positioning itself as a major player in the global creative landscape. Among the delegation are five innovative businesses, including Opulence Pictures, representing Manchester’s thriving creative sector.

Opulence Pictures: Bridging Hollywood and Northern England

Nika Finch, President and Film Producer of Opulence Pictures, is spearheading the company’s presence at SXSW. With offices in both Los Angeles and Manchester, Opulence Pictures is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between Hollywood and Northern England’s film industry. Finch’s participation aims to spotlight Northern England as not just a stunning filming location, but also a practical and smart choice for productions.

Showcasing Northern England’s Film Potential

At SXSW, Opulence Pictures is actively promoting the UK, particularly Northern England, as an ideal destination for film and TV production. Finch emphasizes the region’s world-class locations, top-tier crews, and new tax incentives that can significantly reduce production costs for international projects. This effort aligns with the broader goal of attracting global filmmakers to the region and showcasing how Opulence Pictures can bring creative visions to life.

A Platform for Collaboration and Growth

SXSW provides an unparalleled opportunity for networking, creativity, and innovation. For Opulence Pictures, it’s a chance to forge new partnerships that could bring more US film and TV projects to the UK. The company’s presence at the event is part of a larger initiative to establish Manchester as a significant hub for film production and creativity on the global stage.

The Broader Impact

The participation of Opulence Pictures in SXSW 2025 is more than just a business opportunity; it’s a testament to Manchester’s growing prominence in the international creative scene. As part of the UK House Northern takeover event, “North: Different by Design,” Opulence Pictures took part in a film industry panel discussion titled “Rethinking where great stories are made,” further promoting prime filming locations in Northern England.

Looking Ahead

As SXSW 2025 concludes, the impact of Opulence Pictures’ participation extends beyond the event itself. It represents a significant step in Manchester’s journey to become a global hub for film production and creative industries. With its unique blend of local talent and international connections, Opulence Pictures is well-positioned to play a crucial role in bringing more productions to Northern England, further cementing Manchester’s place on the world stage of filmmaking.