Crystal Hefner Asks Jessica Biel to Reject Playboy Movie Role

Actress Jessica Biel has been cast to play a fictionalized version of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner's wife in the upcoming film Playmates. The movie, inspired by writer-director Lorraine Nicholson's childhood at the Playboy mansion, also stars Lily-Rose Depp, Indiana Elle, and Bill Pullman.

Following the casting announcement, Hugh's widow, Crystal Hefner, sent a lengthy Instagram direct message to Jessica Biel asking her to reconsider the role if the film attempts to romanticize Hugh Hefner or the Playboy world. Crystal publicized the message, which included claims about her marriage to Hugh.

In her message, Crystal stated that she experienced sexual, emotional, financial, and physical abuse during her marriage. She also referenced allegations made by other women concerning rape, coercion, drugging, and exploitation, and stated that allegations extended to minors.