Holly Madison, the former Playboy model and television personality, has recently shed light on her budding romance with Las Vegas attorney Steve Dimopoulos. Speaking to PEOPLE at Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday celebration at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, Madison described her new relationship as “so new” and expressed her desire for privacy in her personal life.
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The 46-year-old Madison, who rose to fame on the reality show The Girls Next Door, admitted that learning about the public’s interest in her relationship was a bit overwhelming. “I got tattled on,” she quipped, referencing a quick report by TMZ that first unveiled her romance with Dimopoulos, who is 42. Despite the sudden attention, Madison highlighted the positive response from her boyfriend, stating, “Luckily, he has a sense of humour about it. He thinks it’s really funny, so that’s good.”
Reflecting on the early stages of their relationship, Madison revealed that it had only been a couple of months since they began seeing each other. “I haven’t even had a chance to process it,” she told the publication, adding that everything is “so far so good.” This marks a significant chapter for Madison, who previously hinted at a desire for a more private, low-key relationship after experiencing the pressures of public scrutiny in her past.
In a previous conversation with PEOPLE, Madison discussed her preference for a partner who shares her values and lifestyle. “I like to take time to get to know people these days,” she noted, emphasising that she preferred to keep the relationship away from the public eye. “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.”
Madison’s previous relationship ended last year following her split from Zak Bagans, a well-known ghost hunter. She candidly addressed the problems in that relationship, including allegations of infidelity. Madison has previously claimed that Bagans had been unfaithful with several women during their six-year romance. In a revealing comment, she mentioned that despite his openness on social media regarding wanting children, he had misrepresented his intentions on dating apps.
Alongside her new relationship, Madison is also focused on her role as a mother, sharing custody of her two children, Rainbow, 13, and Forest, 9, with her ex-husband Pasquale Rotella. In her discussions about parenting, she reiterated her resolve to protect her children from a “rotating cast” of partners. Madison indicated that she would only consider introducing a new partner to her children in the event of an engagement, highlighting her commitment to maintaining stability in their lives.
“I never introduce my kids to anyone unless I know it’s serious,” she explained. “I don’t think I would do that until I was engaged.” This philosophy was evident even during her long-term relationship with Bagans, whom she never introduced to her children.
As her relationship with Dimopoulos develops, Madison seems committed to finding a companion who not only shares her interests but also respects her desire for privacy. “It’s important to find someone really motivated and inspiring who lives in the same city as me,” she noted, underscoring her wish for a partner who can seamlessly fit into her life without the complications of long-distance dynamics.
Moving forward, Madison appears hopeful about the future of her relationship. As she navigates the complexities of love in the public eye, her primary focus remains on building a solid foundation while ensuring her children are shielded from unnecessary disruption. With her new partner’s understanding and the lessons learned from her past, Madison is poised to embrace this exciting new chapter with a sense of optimism and careful consideration.