When the bad economy is affecting the ever-resilient porn industry, you know we’re in deep, deep trouble. In fact I wasn’t as worried as I probably should be – until I read that Playboy seems to be undergoing a financial crisis. If even the gold standard of porn can’t hold it together, what’s left for the rest of us?

Though Hugh Hefner is reported to be “breaking up” with two of his three girlfriends, it appears more that they’re getting laid off. According to the Daily News, the company is having financial problems, and Hef has been told to lay off some of his employees. I’m pretty sure Kendra and Bridget fall under that title. And I’m only sorta joking.

It’s been a bad week for Playboy.

Girlie magazine magnate Hugh Hefner has become the latest victim of the financial crisis. According to published reports, advisers have told the 83-year-old tycoon to lay off some of his staff at his L.A. and New York offices – or face bankruptcy.

Though the news might seem surprising, insiders at the company say the situation has been worsening for “a while,” reports Britain’s Telegraph. “Only the top brass has known for a while how bad things have been for Hef recently,” one insider said.

Meanwhile, spokesperson Elizabeth Austin would neither confirm nor deny the financial problems, saying, “It is our policy not to comment on corporate matters such as employee issues.”

[From the Daily News]

In early August it was reported that Hefner was trying to cut costs; that Playboy was ceasing its legendary parties, and even rumors that Hef was going to sell the mansion. Though he denied it at the time, it seems there’s some truth to it after all. They say some industries are resilient because we always need them. Jobs like doctors, police officers, etc. I just always assumed being a Playboy bunny was one of them. There goes my backup plan.

Here’s Kendra and Bridget (background) leaving STK restaurant in West Hollywood with a film crew yesterday. Images thanks to Fame. Header of Kendra Wilkinson, Holly Madison, Hugh Hefner and Bridget Marquardt at the ESPY Awards Kick-off Party at the Playboy Mansion on July 14th. Images thanks to PR Photos.