Hugh Hefner reportedly alerted the FBI after Playboy Playmate Audra Christiansen identified herself as a Jeffrey Epstein survivor. Christiansen allegedly told Hefner she had been sexually abused and trafficked. She reportedly asked him to contact authorities because of his influence.
Hugh Hefner reportedly alerted the FBI after Audra Christiansen identified herself as an Epstein survivor.
According to court documents reported by News Nation, Christiansen approached Hefner in 2005 with allegations involving Epstein. She reportedly told the Playboy founder she was an Epstein survivor. Christiansen then asked Hefner to call the FBI on her behalf.
The court records stated that Hefner allegedly contacted the FBI several times. However, the agency reportedly did not investigate her claims for years. The FBI allegedly did not contact Christiansen until October 2020.
The allegations appeared in a complaint filed by 34 Epstein survivors. The lawsuit was filed against the United States in Southern Florida. Miami Herald journalist Julie K. Brown also reported details from the complaint.
According to the court filing, Christiansen described meeting Epstein before an alleged assault. She reportedly said she was “naked and raped by Epstein.” The complaint further alleged that she was then trafficked for 10 years.
The filing accused the FBI of failing to investigate Christiansen’s allegations. It also claimed the agency failed to follow required policies. The survivors argued that his failure allowed Epstein’s trafficking operation to continue.
Arick Fudali, an attorney representing several survivors, criticized the reported FBI response. He called the allegations about ignored complaints “devastating but not surprising.” Fudali said law enforcement had failed Epstein’s survivors for decades.
The FBI is seeking dismissal of the survivors’ lawsuit. The case involves allegations dating between 1996 and 2017. Hefner’s own legacy has also faced allegations involving sexual misconduct. A 2022 docuseries featured claims that women were coerced and drugged. Hefner and Playboy faced further criticism over allegations involving the mansion.
Neither the FBI, Hefner’s representative, nor Christiansen responded to requests for comment. The court documents therefore remain the basis for the reported account.
NOTE: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or utilize their RAINN Online Chat for confidential support, crisis intervention, and local resource navigation.
