THE world’s biggest playboy is being sued for living the good life and refusing to give it up for the sake of his company.

Gossip website TMZ.com reports that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Hugh Hefner by a Playboy shareholder, claiming the company is falling apart and Hefner has intentionally sabotaged two potential deals in the past six months to sell the company at a decent price.

In the lawsuit, an investment company that analysed Playboy’s business sent a note stating: “we think the wildcard here is Hugh Hefner.”

The note continues: “If you were Hugh Hefner, 81, would you give up the parade of busty blondes, the fancy mansion and the reality TV show for a payout?”

“Hefner has continued to live the good life and makes sure everyone knows it. Hefner remains in the limelight, showing up at media events and at the Playboy mansion…with his girlfriends by his side.”

“Today, the price of a Playboy magazine is far higher than the price of Playboy common stock,” the suit laments. In 1999, the stock sold for US$36 a share. Today, Playboy closed at US$3.14; the magazine sells at US$5.99.

The plaintiffs said Hefner rides roughshod over the shareholders and they want unspecified damages.

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