While there were internet rumors and fan-made "concept" covers circulating around 2013—often timed to the release of her more mature film Spring Breakers —no such issue or photo shoot exists. The March 2013 cover of Playboy actually featured Ashley Mattingly.
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.
The controversy surrounding Selena Gomez's Playboy magazine cover in March 2013 was a complex and multifaceted issue. While some saw it as a bold and empowering move, others viewed it as a mistake or a publicity stunt. However, as we look back on the interview and photo shoot, it's clear that Gomez was simply trying to take control of her life and career, being honest and open about her struggles and insecurities.
However, the persistence of this myth overshadows the more interesting truth: that this period marked Gomez's calculated and conscious decision to evolve her image, not through the pages of Playboy , but through challenging film roles and appearances in respected fashion magazines. The fabricated cover was a shortcut to a narrative of a "fallen" Disney princess; the reality was a young woman strategically and successfully navigating the difficult transition from teen star to a serious, respected adult artist. Selena Gomez Playboy Magazine March 2013
The persistent internet search trend surrounding this specific phrase stems from a perfect storm of viral celebrity gossip, internet search engine optimization (SEO) hoaxes, and a massive intentional shift in her public image that took place during that exact month. The Genesis of the Rumor: March 2013
No issue of Playboy from March 2013 or any other date features Selena Gomez. Please report any claiming otherwise as misinformation.
Featured two covers shot by Terry Richardson, focusing on her appeal to a more mature, high-fashion audience. Interview Magazine (March 2013): Graced the cover of the March issue. Cosmopolitan: While there were internet rumors and fan-made "concept"
has never posed for Playboy Magazine . There was no feature or "write-up" regarding her in a March 2013 issue of Playboy .
The reaction to Gomez's appearance in Playboy was mixed. Some fans praised her for embracing her femininity and expressing herself in a new way. Others were critical, feeling that she had "sold out" or compromised her values. The media coverage was extensive, with many outlets debating the significance of her appearance in the magazine.
Here is a proper look at the truth behind this long-standing rumor and how it fits into Selena's actual journey with her public image. The Origin of the March 2013 Hoax In early 2013, a "leaked" cover of She stated, "I just wanted to do something for me
The movie's provocative theme created a perfect storm, and Playboy attempted to capitalize on this buzz. The magazine's official Twitter account sent an open invitation on April 9, 2013, publicly stating: "@VanessaHudgens & @SelenaGomez now have an open invitation to the next Mansion party". This was seen by many as a clever PR move to get the stars to an event that could lead to a future magazine spread. While some fans were shocked at the prospect, neither Gomez nor her representatives ever accepted the invitation or entertained the possibility of a photoshoot.
The viral photo typically depicts a topless woman whose face has been digitally replaced with Gomez's. This image surfaced during a time when she was transitioning away from her "Disney" image. Official Refusal:
She gave interviews to Elle , Harper’s Bazaar , and MTV News —not adult publications—discussing how she turned down Fifty Shades of Grey (she was offered the lead role of Anastasia Steele but declined due to nudity requirements). “I’m not that bold,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in March 2013. “I have a family that I have to answer to.”