Hefner's Widow Urges Jessica Biel to Drop 'Playmates' Role Over Abuse Claims

Hugh Hefner's widow is publicly calling on Jessica Biel to back out of a new movie. Crystal Harris posted a plea to Biel on Instagram after learning Biel will appear as a fictional spouse of the Playboy founder in the Searchlight film "Playmates," per Variety.

In the message, Harris asked Biel to rethink the part if the movie plans to paint a rosy picture of Hefner or his empire. "I was actually his wife, and I experienced sexual, emotional, financial and physical abuse in that relationship," Harris wrote, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Harris also referenced other allegations against Hefner and the Playboy environment. "Many other women have come forward with allegations of rape, coercion, drugging and exploitation as well," she added, TheWrap reports. She expressed hope the film's team would "listen to the women who have lived it" instead of creating nostalgia.

The movie marks the directorial debut of Lorraine Nicholson, Jack Nicholson's daughter, who visited the mansion as a child. The plot follows a 13-year-old girl who befriends a Playmate contender, played by Lily-Rose Depp. Bill Pullman is set to portray Hefner.

Harris was married to Hefner from 2012 until his death in 2017. She detailed her experiences in a 2024 memoir.