Hugh Hefner's widow asks Jessica Biel to reconsider playing his fictional wife in "Playmates"
Crystal Hefner, married to the Playboy founder from 2012 until his death in 2017, sent Jessica Biel a direct message asking her to reconsider the role in Searchlight's upcoming film, which she says could romanticize Hugh Hefner and the Playboy world.
The message to Biel
Crystal Hefner sent Jessica Biel an Instagram direct message after the actress was cast in "Playmates", a Searchlight Pictures film that is still in preparation. In the message she asked the actress to "please reconsider" playing Hugh Hefner's wife if the film intends to romanticize him or the Playboy world. Crystal Hefner later posted a screenshot of the message, which the articles describe as shared on Instagram.
I was actually his wife, and I experienced sexual, emotional, financial and physical abuse in that relationship.
The message went on to say that many other women have made allegations of rape, coercion, drugging and exploitation, and that there are deeply troubling concerns involving minors. Crystal Hefner wrote that she hoped everyone involved would listen to the women who lived those experiences before Hollywood turns the story back into nostalgia.
The film and its cast
Lorraine Nicholson, daughter of Jack Nicholson, is writing and directing "Playmates", which is inspired by her childhood friendship with Hugh Hefner's children. The film is described as an LA-set coming-of-age story about 13-year-old Elle, played by Indiana Elle, who considers the Playboy Mansion her second home. Bill Pullman plays Hugh Hefner, and Lily-Rose Depp plays Anna, one of seven hopefuls vying to be Playmate of the Month.
Biel's character is a fictional role, not based on any of Hefner's real-life wives, according to Variety. Biel is 44 years old, according to dpa and Variety coverage.
Crystal Hefner's account
Crystal Hefner was married to Hugh Hefner from 2012 until his death in 2017, when he was 91. Harris, who is 40, has spoken since his death about the environment at the Playboy Mansion. In her 2024 memoir "Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself", she described the mansion as toxic, according to Variety.
Regarding the film, I hope it's not something that will glorify Hugh Hefner.
In a separate post, Crystal Hefner said she hoped the film would deliver a message of empowerment, that women can find fulfillment, independence and a sense of self beyond Playboy.
- Crystal Hefner marries Hugh Hefner
- Hugh Hefner dies at age 91
- Crystal Hefner publishes memoir "Only Say Good Things"
- Crystal Hefner's message to Biel is reported
Reaction so far
The message was reported across several outlets on 9 October 2026, with Variety, dpa and Deadline among them. The articles do not describe a response from Jessica Biel or from Searchlight Pictures.
