Crystal Harris, the widow of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, has publicly asked actress Jessica Biel to reconsider her casting in the upcoming film “Playmates.” Harris, who was married to Hefner until his death in 2017, released a statement on Instagram urging Biel to step away if the project intends to romanticize the late mogul or the Playboy lifestyle.
“Please reconsider playing Hugh Hefner’s wife if this film intends to romanticize him or the Playboy world,” Harris wrote. “I was actually his wife, and I experienced sexual, emotional, financial and physical abuse in that relationship.”
Harris further highlighted broader concerns regarding the organization’s history, noting that many other women have come forward with allegations of rape, coercion, drugging, and exploitation. She also pointed to troubling issues involving minors, urging the film’s creators to listen to survivors before Hollywood transforms the era into nostalgia.
The searchlight-backed film is being written and directed by Lorraine Nicholson, daughter of Jack Nicholson. Bill Pullman is set to portray Hefner, while Lily-Rose Depp stars as Anna, one of seven hopefuls competing for Playmate of the Month. The character Elle is played by Elle, known for her role in “The Housemaid.”
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