Ex-Playmate Holly Madison Turned Down 'The Traitors' Spot for Hilarious Reason

The former Playboy Playmate reveals she was approached for the hit reality competition show's first season, but declined due to a misunderstanding.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Holly Madison, the former Playboy Playmate, reveals that she was approached to appear in the inaugural 2023 season of the hit reality competition show 'The Traitors.' However, she turned down the opportunity because she misunderstood the show's premise, thinking producers were dubbing her a 'traitor' for writing about her relationship with late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner in her 2015 memoir 'Down the Rabbit Hole.' Now that she understands the show's concept, Madison says she would reconsider joining a future season, especially if she could be cast alongside her friend Trisha Paytas.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into Madison's perspective on reality TV and her past relationship with Hefner. It also highlights how misunderstandings can lead to missed opportunities, and how people's views can change over time as they gain more information.

The details

Madison was approached to appear on the first season of 'The Traitors' in 2023, but she turned down the offer because she thought the show's title was referring to her as a 'traitor' for writing about her time at the Playboy Mansion in her 2015 memoir. However, now that she understands the premise of the show, which involves contestants working to identify 'traitors' among them, Madison says she would reconsider joining a future season, especially if she could be cast alongside her friend Trisha Paytas.

  • Madison was approached to appear on the first season of 'The Traitors' in 2023.
  • Madison's memoir 'Down the Rabbit Hole' was published in 2015.

The players

Holly Madison

A former Playboy Playmate who starred in the E! reality series 'The Girls Next Door' and 'Holly's World.'

Hugh Hefner

The late founder of Playboy magazine, who had a relationship with Madison.

Trisha Paytas

A YouTuber and reality TV personality who is a friend of Madison's.

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What they’re saying

“I thought they were picking me to be on 'Traitors' because they thought I was a traitor for writing a book about Hef. And I'm like, 'Well, I'm not falling for this.' So I turned it down.”

— Holly Madison (Page Six)

“Yes, I would! Especially if they cast me and Trisha Paytas on the same season. That would be my favorite thing ever.”

— Holly Madison (Page Six)

The takeaway

This story highlights how misunderstandings can lead to missed opportunities, and how people's perspectives can change over time as they gain more information. It also provides insight into Madison's views on reality TV and her past relationship with Hefner, showing that she is open to future reality TV opportunities, especially if she could be paired with a friend like Trisha Paytas.