Why does the false “Playboy” rumor persist? Likely because of the stark contrast between Gomez’s then-boyfriend Justin Bieber’s tabloid antics and her own carefully managed image. In March 2013, while Bieber was making headlines for late-night parties and a monkey confiscated in Germany, Gomez was positioning herself as a serious actress.
".@vanessahudgens & @selenagomez now have an open invitation to the next Mansion party." Selena Gomez Playboy Magazine March 2013
The rumor gained traction due to a perfect storm of events in early 2013: the release of her provocative indie film Spring Breakers , a highly publicized public invitation from Playboy on social media, and the release of mature imagery for her solo debut album, Stars Dance . The Origin of the March 2013 Playboy Rumor Why does the false “Playboy” rumor persist
The actual cover of the featured a different model, and the issue itself was notable for including a piece by Hunter S. Thompson and an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, but it did not feature Gomez. Context of the Rumor Context of the Rumor When discussing public figures,
When discussing public figures, center work over gossip
The persistent rumors linking Selena Gomez to the adult entertainment publication stem from a massive cultural and professional transition she underwent in the exact spring of 2013. Understanding why this rumor persists requires looking back at the definitive moment her career shifted from a Disney Channel darling to a mature Hollywood powerhouse. Why March 2013 Sparked the Rumor