Nearly a decade after his death, Hugh Hefner‘s widow is expressing her disapproval of a coming-of-age story inspired by her late husband.
Crystal Hefner, who was married to the Playboy founder from 2012 until his death at age 91 in 2017, shared a screenshot of an Instagram DM she sent to Jessica Biel asking her to “please reconsider” starring as Hugh’s fictional wife in Lorraine Nicholson’s Searchlight pic Playmates.
“Please reconsider playing Hugh Hefner’s ‘wife’ if this film intends to romanticize him or the Playboy world,” wrote Crystal in the message. “I was actually his wife, and I experienced sexual, emotional, financial and physical abuse in that relationship. Many other women 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 in this film takes the time to listen to the women who lived it before helping Hollywood turn it back into nostalgia.”
Written and directed by Nicholson, and inspired by her childhood friendship with Hugh Hefner’s kids, Playmates is described as an LA-set coming-of-age story following 13-year-old know-it-all Elle (played by Indiana Elle), who considers the Playboy Mansion her second home. During her time at the Mansion, Elle meets Anna (Lily-Rose Depp), one of seven hopefuls vying to be Playmate of the Month. The two form an unlikely friendship and try to help each other get what the other wants most, a magazine cover and a boy.
Crystal added in a post, “Regarding the film, I hope it’s not something that will glorify Hugh Hefner. 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.”
With Bill Pullman playing Hugh Hefner, we’re told Biel’s character is a fictional role not inspired by any of his three wives.
Since Hugh Hefner’s death in 2017, Crystal has opened up about the toxic environment of the Playboy Mansion and the abuse she said she endured during her time there, with other Playboy models sharing similar experiences in recent years.