Hefner's widow urges Jessica Biel to reconsider role in upcoming Playboy-related film

Crystal Harris, who was married to Hugh Hefner from 2012 until his death in 2017, posted a screenshot of an Instagram message addressed to actress Jessica Biel after Biel’s casting was announced for Lorraine Nicholson’s directorial debut, Playmates. Harris wrote, "Please reconsider playing Hugh Hefner’s wife if this film intends to romanticize him or the Playboy world. I was actually his wife, and I experienced sexual, emotional, financial and physical abuse in that relationship." She added that many women have reported allegations of rape, coercion, drugging, exploitation and concerns involving minors, urging the film’s creators to listen to those who lived the experience before turning the story into nostalgia.

Harris also criticized the handling of Hefner’s private documents by his foundation earlier this year, saying the materials could contain images of underage girls who could not consent to their use. The film, produced by Searchlight Pictures, follows a 13-year-old girl who considers the Playboy Mansion her second home and her friendship with a hopeful Playmate, with Bill Pullman cast as Hefner. Lily-Rose Depp and Indiana Elle also appear in the project.