Hugh Hefner's Widow, 39, Remarries After Sharing Bold Claims About Her Relationship With Playboy Founder

Crystal Harris, who was married to Hugh Hefner, has now remarried after previously speaking openly about her time with the Playboy founder and making some strong claims about their relationship.

Harris first met Hefner when she was in her twenties, while he was much older. The two went on to marry in 2012 and stayed together until Hefner passed away in 2017 at the age of 91 following a heart attack.

Since his death, Harris has been open about her experiences at the Playboy Mansion and has shared her thoughts on what that relationship was really like behind closed doors.

At one point, Harris said she felt 'imprisoned' during her time with Hefner and while living in the famous mansion. Her comments reflect what other former girlfriends and Playboy Playmates have also said about their own experiences.

Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris pictured in 2010 Denise Truscello/WireImage

Now, Harris has moved forward with her life and recently married Hawaiian businessman James Ward in a quiet ceremony held in the Cook Islands.

The couple chose to elope in Aitutaki, a small and peaceful island, on Thursday (April 2), keeping the moment private and away from any large gathering.

Speaking about the decision to hold such an intimate ceremony with no guests present, Harris told People: "We chose the Cook Islands because of how remote it is. There are no big chain hotels, which makes it feel incredibly peaceful and authentic."

"It's also home to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Since James and I both love the ocean and nature it felt like the perfect place for us to start this chapter of our lives."

Harris had already spoken about her relationship with Ward in earlier interviews. After just five months of dating, she said that he respects her emotions and supports her in a way she had not experienced before, also stating she had never truly been in love with Hefner.

"With James, my feelings are valued, validated. I am seen and I am heard," the 39-year-old shared.

Crystal Harris and James Ward married last week Instagram/@crystalmharris

"I'm nurturing the real me, my adventurous spirit, my inner child. I feel like I've become the person I always needed when I was growing up."

"I feel accepted and more myself than ever before."

Ward has also spoken openly about how he feels about Harris, sharing his perspective on their relationship shortly after they got married.

He said: "Crystal's heart, specifically for me and all non-human living things, is a thing to behold. All creatures, great and small are bestowed a generosity and kindness, the likes of which I've never seen."

"She's the classiest, brainiest, most adventure-seeking partner I could have ever hoped to find. My life is now better in every way, and I feel like the luckiest guy alive that I get to spend my life with her."