Crystal Harris Urges Jessica Biel to Drop Playboy Biopic Role Amid Abuse Allegations

Crystal Harris, the widow of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, has publicly appealed to actress Jessica Biel to withdraw from the upcoming Playboy Mansion biopic, tentatively titled "Playmates." Harris expressed concerns that the film, in which Biel is set to play a fictional wife of Hefner, could inadvertently romanticize or glamorize the Playboy empire and her late husband.

In a public Instagram message and a statement to the Daily Mail, Harris detailed her own experiences of alleged sexual, emotional, financial, and physical abuse during her marriage to Hefner. She stated that she was a victim of his alleged narcissistic and misogynistic behavior, describing herself as an "empty shell of a human" after their relationship.

"Please reconsider playing Hugh Hefner's 'wife' if this film intends to romanticize him or the Playboy world," Harris urged Biel. She also highlighted that numerous other women have come forward with allegations of rape, coercion, drugging, and exploitation related to Hefner and his associates. "There are also deeply troubling concerns involving minors," she added.

Former Playboy model and journalist Lisa Guerrero supported Harris's stance, emphasizing that any effort to soften Hefner's image is unwelcome, especially given the documented accounts of abuse from many women. Guerrero, who was involved in the A&E exposé "Secrets of Playboy," expressed surprise that anyone would accept a role in a project that might reframe Hefner's legacy.

Harris, who was married to Hefner from 2012 until his death in 2017, has yet to see the script for "Playmates." However, she implored the filmmakers and the studio to ensure an "honest" portrayal of Hefner's control and the realities of his life, rather than one that perpetuates his carefully constructed public image. She expressed hope that the film, with women in leading roles, could ultimately convey a message of female empowerment and independence beyond the Playboy brand.

The film is being written and directed by Lorraine Nicholson, daughter of actor Jack Nicholson, inspired by her own childhood experiences at the Playboy Mansion. The movie's plot reportedly centers on a young Elle and her friendship with Anna, a Playmate hopeful played by Lily-Rose Depp. Bill Pullman is slated to portray Hugh Hefner in the production.

Harris, a former Playmate of the Month herself, was Hefner's third and final wife. She was 26 when they married in 2012; he was 86. Their relationship had been tumultuous, with Harris previously calling off their engagement in 2011, citing that Hefner's lifestyle was not for her. They reconciled shortly after and married on New Year's Eve 2012. Harris has since spoken critically of her marriage, regretting that she diminished herself to fit into Hefner's world and took years to understand the true nature of their relationship.