• In a shocking Playboy Twins reveal, Karissa and Kristina Shannon share their traumatic experiences living in the Playboy mansion, including manipulation and isolation.
• After leaving Playboy, the twins struggled with substance abuse, emotional turmoil, and PTSD but found healing in Michigan.
• They reflect on their past in the Secrets of Playboy docuseries and emphasize their focus on mental health and personal growth moving forward

Karissa and Kristina Shannon, former Playboy playmates, shared their dark journey in a recent interview. They recalled their time in Hugh Hefner’s mansion and how it almost destroyed them. The twins, who were only 19 when they moved into the mansion in 2008, quickly became involved in an 18-month relationship with Hefner. Their entry into the world of fame was exciting, but it soon turned into a nightmare. After leaving the mansion in 2010, their lives took a downward spiral. They battled weight gain, substance abuse, and emotional turmoil. Kristina admitted that, at times, they felt completely lost, even contemplating suicide.

Struggling with Trauma and Isolation

The trauma of living in the mansion affected them deeply. The twins recalled being compared to Anna Nicole Smith, who died tragically in 2007. At one point, they even found themselves sinking into unhealthy habits. Both sisters dealt with alcohol and pill use, and Kristina remembered how they struggled to get control of their lives. They felt as if they had lost themselves entirely. Kristina said they were isolated and had no support. It was just them, trying to figure out how to heal from the damage done.

Playboy Twins Reveal: Behind the Scenes of Playboy

When the Shannon twins entered the Playboy world, they were fans of the show Girls Next Door. However, their reality in the mansion was far from what they saw on TV. Kristina described the mansion life as a culture shock. It was very different from the glamorous image portrayed on the show. The sisters didn’t know much about style or makeup at the time, and being so young made it even harder. They weren’t prepared for the harsh reality of the mansion.

Tension and Jealousy from Other Playmates

The twins also faced jealousy from other playmates. As the youngest and the first twins to each get their own months, they quickly became targets. Karissa explained how Hefner’s special attention towards them fueled this jealousy. He often took pictures with them or made sure they were in the spotlight, which only upset the other playmates. Kristina recalled crying because of the bullying. Despite this, the twins chose to stay in the mansion, even though the constant tension took a toll on them. Although Playboy opened many doors, it also limited their opportunities. They felt trapped by the obligations of being in the reality show and Hefner’s girlfriends.

Life After Playboy: Searching for Healing

Once in their early 20s, Karissa and Kristina moved out of the mansion and tried to find their own paths. However, they realized that their time at Playboy had left a lasting impact on them. They felt like the experience had torn apart their sense of identity. Karissa explained that losing their faith, especially their belief in Jesus, was one of the hardest parts. Without family support, they struggled to rebuild their lives. Eventually, they decided to leave Los Angeles and move to Michigan, where they found a sense of peace.

Finding Peace and Growth in Michigan

Moving to Michigan was a turning point for the twins. It allowed them to heal and rediscover who they truly were. They felt the weight of their past lifting as they settled into a quieter, more peaceful life. Michigan became a place of transformation for them. The change in environment helped them regain their mental and emotional balance. They both spoke about how the experience changed them for the better, making them stronger and more resilient.

Reflecting on Their Past in the Docuseries

In the 2022 A&E documentary Secrets of Playboy, the Shannon twins opened up about their most painful experiences. One of the most shocking revelations was their forced involvement in a threesome with Hefner on their 19th birthday. For Karissa, these experiences felt like assault, as Hefner used manipulation and control over them. The twins expressed how isolated they felt while living at the mansion. Kristina compared their time there to being in prison, where someone slowly breaks you down. Both sisters admitted that the trauma they experienced has stayed with them, leading to PTSD. They’ve sought therapy to deal with the emotional scars left by their time at Playboy.

Healing and Moving Forward

Despite the pain they endured, Karissa and Kristina have come a long way in their healing process. They’ve worked hard to address their mental health and are now in a much better place. The twins shared that they’ve found peace by focusing on their inner selves and spirituality. They’ve made it a priority to protect their emotional well-being and avoid the toxic environments that once defined their lives. The healing journey hasn’t been easy, but they feel stronger than ever. They continue to work on themselves, both mentally and physically, and they are excited for the future.

Embracing Their New Lives

Now, the Shannon twins are focused on their personal growth and well-being. They have learned to embrace the lessons from their past while leaving the pain behind. They’ve moved forward with a renewed sense of purpose. Karissa and Kristina emphasized that they now prioritize their mental health and happiness above all else. Their experiences with Playboy may have been traumatic, but they’ve found strength in healing and growth. They are determined to continue protecting their peace and living life on their own terms.