Crystal Harris urges Jessica Biel to reconsider Hugh Hefner's wife role in ‘Playmates’ over abuse in marriage

Crystal Harris has urged Jessica Biel to reconsider portraying Hugh Hefner’s wife in Playmates, raising concerns about how the Playboy founder and his world may be depicted in the upcoming film.

Harris shared a screenshot of an Instagram message she sent to Biel following the announcement of her casting. Harris was married to Hefner from 2012 until his death in 2017.

In her message, 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.”

“Many other woman have come forward with allegations of rape, coercion, drugging and exploitation as well. There are also deeply troubling concerns involving minors. I hope everyone involved this film takes the time to listen the women who lived it before helping Hollywood turn it back into nostalgia,” Harris wrote.

Playmates marks the directorial debut of Lorraine Nicholson, who drew inspiration from her childhood visits to the Playboy Mansion.

The film stars Lily-Rose Depp and Indiana Elle, with Bill Pullman portraying Hefner.

According to Searchlight Pictures, the story follows 13-year-old Elle and Anna, one of seven hopefuls competing for the title of Playmate of the Month, as they form an unlikely friendship.

Harris’s comments add to the discussion surrounding the film’s portrayal of the Playboy legacy and the experiences of women associated with it.