Hugh Hefner arranged to be buried next to Marilyn Monroe and a lot of people think that’s creepy

Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner manages to be controversial even in death. It now re-emerges that he paid $75,000 in 1992 to purchase a crypt next to Marilyn Monroe’s so he can be buried beside the late actress – a move that has been met with heavy criticism given the pair’s history.

The actress died unexpectedly in 1962 at the age of 36 and is buried in California’s Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.

She appeared on the cover of the first issue of Playboy Magazine in 1953, when she was given the title “Sweetheart of the Month”.

But despite appearances, this was not actually done with Monroe’s permission. Hefner had bought some old nude photographs of Monroe which had been taken in 1949 before she hit the big time, publishing them in his first issue without ever seeking her consent.

First ever issue of @Playboy magazine 1953, featuring Marilyn Monroe. #HughHefner pic.twitter.com/ZPo17L3Wi1

— LALO DAGACH (@LaloDagach) September 28, 2017

Fearing for her career, Monroe was forced to defend herself in an interview after the photographs became a scandal. “I never even received a thank-you from all those who made millions off a nude Marilyn photograph. I even had to buy a copy of the magazine to see myself in it,” she wrote in her autobiography.

The actress and pin-up icon never actually met Hefner – but he has made her a part of his own story.

“I’m a believer in things symbolic,” he told the Los Angeles Times in 2009. “Spending eternity next to Marilyn is too sweet to pass up.”

While some admire Hefner’s burial arrangements…

Hugh Hefner spent 75k to be buried next to Marilyn Monroe. "Spending an eternity next to Marilyn is too sweet a deal to pass up" #Legend

— Vinny Chase (@MattttNernnn) September 28, 2017

Years ago Huge Hefner bought the burial crypt next to Marilyn Monroe's & now I will settle for nothing less than this level of devotion.

— Sarah (@thetigersez) September 28, 2017

…others are finding it distinctly creepy.

In a lifetime of creepy things, Hugh Hefner buying the plot next to Marilyn Monroe to lurk beside her for all eternity is the creepiest.

— Jojo Moyes (@jojomoyes) September 29, 2017

Hugh Hefner is going to be buried next to Marilyn Monroe because he paid $75K in 1992 to get the vault right next to hers. Creeeeeeeeepy.

— Louise Wallace (@LouiseM_Wallace) September 28, 2017

Hefner’s critics – and Monroe’s fans – are unimpressed.

Marilyn Monroe must be rolling in her grave. As far away from her new neighbour as possible. #Hefner pic.twitter.com/cvONKT8fob

— DeborahFrances-White (@DeborahFW) September 28, 2017

This is not a cute story. Hefner bought the plot next to Monroe to "spend eternity with her" w/out her consent after exploiting her body. https://t.co/VwHQoeZhYF

— ella dawson (@brosandprose) September 28, 2017

Hugh Hefner non-consensually published nudes that endangered Marilyn Monroe's career & then purchased the right to be buried with her corpse

— Sady Doyle (@sadydoyle) September 28, 2017

christ… you can't even be alone in death without a man coming over and going "so, is this seat taken?" while sitting down in it https://t.co/erHTpmECB5

— sarahnicole prickett (@deadfirstwife) September 28, 2017

Hefner died on 28th September at the age of 91, surrounded by family in his Playboy Mansion.