Crystal Hefner recently sparked online controversy over her new romance with boyfriend James Ward.
In an exclusive interview with US Weekly on September 18, 2024, Crystal opened up about her relationship with James, a marine biologist. She shared her thoughts and approach to love after years of past bitter experiences. She revealed,
“I didn’t know what it was like to be in a healthy relationship. Sometimes, it feels foreign… Finding someone you connect with so deeply is rare… I’ve never felt truly protected before. In this relationship, I finally feel like I have a protector”.
Reflecting on her life after her tumultuous five-year marriage to the late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, who was almost 60 years her senior, Crystal revealed how it took years for her to heal. She shared,
“I’ve done a lot of healing that was very necessary… I believe that as long as you keep working on it, your brain kind of rewires itself, and you can be in a really happy, healed place… The relationship with Hef was, it was more one-sided…”
Crystal Confirms Romance With James After A Subtle Instagram Hint
A few days before confirming her relationship, Crystal posted photos from her trip to the Cook Islands on Instagram on September 10, 2024. While Ward wasn’t visible in the images, the former playmate tagged him in a cryptic caption with a heart emoji. The caption read,
“I had so much fun playing in the clearest and warmest waters. This place is true heaven and I can’t recommend it enough. Thank you for for such a fun day @cookislands @kutekuteistam
Photos and videos by my adventure buddy and 🩵@_jimward_”
Crystal further continued to express her admiration for Ward, in a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine. She shared,
“With James, my feelings are valued, validated. I am seen and I am heard. I feel accepted and more myself than ever before”.
Crystal Hefner and James Ward first crossed paths in April 2024 in Hawaii, thanks to mutual friends who introduced them. The two quickly bonded over their shared love for nature and the island lifestyle, and they have been dating ever since.
Fans Harshly Criticize Crystal Hefner Over New Relationship With James Ward
The online community has not embraced Crystal’s joy in finding love again. Many netizens have criticized her on social media for her comments about her traumatic marriage and her newfound sense of a healthy relationship. Some comments read,
“How can a man find attractive a woman who was with a grandpa just for his money ???”
“What did she think was healthy about marrying a man 60-years older than her for his money?? I mean really 🙄”
“Yes, healthy relationships don’t involve a partner who could be your grandfather. 🤷♀️”
Omg he’s not 90 years old!”
Amidst the sea of negative feedback, a few supportive comments read,
“The perfect couple ❤️”
“I know they both have great chemistry…”
Crystal Hefner’s journey to love has been met with both criticism and support. Only time will tell if her relationship with James Ward will truly be the healthy haven she seeks.