Verification of the March 2013 Playboy Magazine Cover Rumor Subject: Selena Gomez Date of Report: October 26, 2023
The cover story, titled "Selena Gomez: The Girl Next Door," showcased Gomez in a more mature and sultry light, posing in lingerie and bikinis. The photos were taken by renowned photographer, Mario Testino. Selena Gomez Playboy Magazine March 2013
Gomez and her team never officially participated in a Playboy shoot. Reports from the time indicated that while the magazine may have been interested in a collaboration, Gomez consistently refused nude or semi-nude offers. Selena Gomez — Playboy Magazine (March 2013): Context,
Looking back, the Playboy interview and photo shoot marked a turning point in Gomez's career. It was a moment of vulnerability and honesty, as she opened up about her struggles and insecurities. While the reaction was mixed, the interview also sparked a conversation about mental health, anxiety, and depression, issues that were not widely discussed at the time. Reports from the time indicated that while the
In an interview with ABC News, Gomez explained that she decided to appear in Playboy to take control of her own image and to show her fans that she was more than just a Disney star. She stated, "I just wanted to do something for me. I wanted to take ownership of my body and my career." Gomez also expressed her admiration for women who had appeared in Playboy before her, citing them as inspirations.