**Holly Madison Reveals New Romance While Embracing Privacy**
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Holly Madison, the former Playboy model, has confirmed she is embarking on a new romantic relationship, opting to keep a low profile as she navigates this chapter of her life. In an interview with PEOPLE, the 46-year-old model indicated her desire for privacy, expressing a wish to develop her connection without the scrutiny of social media. This new relationship comes on the heels of her split from Zak Bagans, which she disclosed a year ago, citing his infidelity with multiple women.
Madison articulated her feelings regarding the importance of privacy in her current dating experience. She shared, “I’m very private about it. I just want to get to know somebody without the internet weighing in, because that always makes things really complicated. I mean, I might be okay with not ever sharing. I don’t know.”
The new relationship is underpinned by Madison’s clear intentions regarding her partner. She emphasised her preference for someone who is “really motivated and inspiring” and is based locally, stating, “I don’t want to move, and I don’t want to do anything long distance.” This focus on a grounded connection reflects her desire for stability after her previous experiences in relationships.
Madison is also involved in a campaign for the dating platform Seeking, where she serves as a featured influencer. The Breakup Campaign encourages users to be candid about their intentions and desires in the world of dating. Over the course of the seven-week initiative, participants can complete a survey about a recent breakup, unlocking a three-month Gold membership to the platform.
Expressing her endorsement of Seeking, she remarked, “I really love how Seeking really encourages people to be super upfront about what they’re looking for.” Madison believes that frankness in dating can alleviate emotional turmoil, saying, “There’s a lot of heartache that comes from pretending you’re open to things you’re not.”
Her past relationship with Bagans has informed this perspective, with Madison alleging he was unfaithful throughout their six-year relationship. She recounted discovering inconsistencies in his claims about wanting children, highlighting the importance of honesty in relationships. “He had told me he never wanted kids,” she said. “But when I found his dating app profile, he had written ‘not sure yet’ under the ‘Do you want kids?’ question. That’s just hurtful and not honest.”
Reflecting on her past, Madison noted that both her breakup with Bagans and her divorce from ex-husband Pasquale Rotella, with whom she shares two children, have led to personal growth. “Breakups in my adult life have always turned into better things,” she shared. “As heartbreaking as it can feel in the moment, it always kind of opened up this new chapter in my life that was always really amazing and a huge improvement on the last chapter.”
In discussing her dating life following the airing of “The Girls Next Door,” which ran from 2005 to 2010, Madison admitted it was initially challenging. She recalled how some individuals were drawn to her due to her celebrity status, often engaging in superficial competitions among themselves regarding who would date her first. However, she has since developed a keen instinct for recognising such individuals, making dating a less stressful endeavour.
When asked about returning to reality television, Madison was non-committal, stating she would consider it only if a unique concept arose, adding, “I don’t want my personal life being affected by all the made-for-TV drama.”
Currently, Madison is busy with her projects, including hosting a rewatch podcast titled “Girls Next Level” alongside fellow former Playboy model Bridget Marquardt. Additionally, she is set to introduce a new podcast, “You Wish,” aimed at sharing compelling stories from various guests. She expressed aspirations for this new platform, saying, “I just hope that the stories can inspire other people.”
Madison’s involvement in Seeking’s Breakup Campaign will continue until April 11, providing a space for individuals to engage openly about their relationships and find connection after heartbreak. While she embarks on her new romance, Madison demonstrates a commitment to authenticity and personal growth, choosing to cultivate her relationships away from the public eye.