Hugh Hefner's widow urges Jessica Biel to turn down role in Playboy film - USA Today
Crystal Harris, widow of Hugh Hefner, has publicly urged actress Jessica Biel to decline a role portraying her in an upcoming film. Harris cited personal experiences of abuse and concerns about romanticizing the Playboy founder.
Why it matters
The request highlights ongoing cultural debates regarding the legacy of Playboy and the ethics of biographical films involving sensitive allegations.
Hear this story Hugh Hefner 's widow, Crystal Harris , has expressed concerns about Jessica Biel playing a fictional version of the Playboy founder's wife in the upcoming film titled "Playmates."
In an Instagram direct message to the "Better Sister" actress, Harris pleaded that Biel not go through with the performance, writing, "Please reconsider playing Hugh Hefner's 'wife' if this film intends to romanticize him or the Playboy world."
Harris, who was married to Hefner for nearly five years up until he died in 2017, detailed the "sexual, emotional, financial and physical abuse" she experienced with Hefner in her message to Biel.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Hugh Hefner Widow Asks Jessica Biel Reconsider Role as His Wife
Crystal Harris, Hugh Hefner’s Widow, Urges Jessica Biel to Reconsider Playing His Wife in ‘Playmates’: “I Experienced Sexual, Emotional and Physical Abuse” - The Hollywood Reporter
Hugh Hefner's Widow Asks Jessica Biel to Reconsider Playing His Wife
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