Hugh Hefner’s Cancer Cover-Up

Hugh Hefner covered up his wretched, cancer-riddled condition in his final days, insiders told The National ENQUIRER exclusively — all to protect his larger-than-life image!

“Hef would do anything to preserve his slick Playboy image — even after he was dead!” a source snitched. “He knew he brought his illnesses on himself, but he was determined to protect his image — and that of his equally ailing brand!”

Before he passed on Sept. 27 at 91, Hef was ravaged by a string of deadly diseases, including lung cancer — likely brought on by smoking his signature pipe! “He wouldn’t put the pipe aside, and he drank heavily. It just destroyed his body,” tattled the source.

The Playboy founder also suffered severe respiratory problems, as well as a strain of E. coli and the blood infection septicemia. Insiders revealed his home — the iconic Playboy Mansion — was infested with dangerous black mold and toxic spores.

In his final painful hours, visitors tried to say their goodbyes to Hef. But the cancer had consumed him and left him unresponsive, sources claimed.