Hugh Hefner’s widow has condemned the forthcoming movie inspired by her late husband’s Playboy story.
Crystal Hefner, 40, who was married to the Playboy founder from 2012 until his death at 91 in 2017, shared a screenshot of an Instagram message she sent to Jessica Biel asking her to “please reconsider” starring as Hugh’s fictional wife in the forthcoming movie Playmates.
“Please reconsider playing Hugh Hefner’s ‘wife’ if this film intends to romanticize him or the Playboy world,” wrote Crystal in her Instagram post.
She claimed that she experienced abuse in the relationship, and reminded Biel that other women have accused Hefner of sexual assault and rape. Since Hefner’s death, Crystal has shed light on the environment at the Playboy mansion and the experiences of the other models.
“I was actually his wife, and I experienced sexual, emotional, financial and physical abuse in that relationship,” wrote Crystal. “Many other women have come forward with allegations of rape, coercion, drugging and exploitation as well. There are also deeply troubling concerns involving minors.”
She continued: “I hope everyone involved in this film takes the time to listen to the women who lived it before helping Hollywood turn it back into nostalgia.”
Crystal said she hopes the movie would not glorify Hefner, writing: “With women in the leading roles, my hope is that the film ultimately delivers a message of empowerment: that women can find fulfillment, independence, and a sense of self beyond Playboy.”
The Independent has contacted Biel’s representatives for comment.
Playmates is described as a coming-of-age story following 13-year-old Elle (Indiana Elle), who considers the Playboy Mansion her second home. At the mansion, Elle meets Anna (Lily-Rose Depp), one of the girls vying to be Playmate of the Month. The official logline reads: “The two form an unlikely friendship and try to help each other get what the other wants most, a magazine cover and a boy.”
Hefner will be played by Bill Pullman and Biel’s character is said to be a fictional role not inspired by any of his three wives in particular.
In 2022, a docuseries titled Secrets of Playboy levelled multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault against Hefner from former Playboy Bunnies (also known as Playmates). At the time, Playboy, which has distanced itself from Hefner, said it stands with the women who made the accusations.
Crystal published a memoir in 2024 titled Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself, which gave insight into the toxic world inside the Playboy mansion.
She told People at the time that the Playboy world caused “trauma” for many women involved. “A lot of women that have been in Hef’s orbit, they’ve lost their sparkle,” she said.
Before Crystal, Hefner was married to Mildred Williams and then Kimberley Conrad.
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