Selena Gomez Playboy Magazine March 2013 |best|

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.

The media's response to Gomez's Playboy appearance was equally divided. Some outlets, like People magazine, focused on the positive aspects of the interview, highlighting Gomez's candor and vulnerability. Others, like The New York Post , were more critical, accusing Gomez of "exposing too much" and "dumbing down" her image. Selena Gomez Playboy Magazine March 2013

In March 2013, the internet was flooded with rumors and viral images claiming that Disney star had posed for the cover of Playboy Magazine . However, despite the intense speculation and highly convincing images circulating at the time, Selena Gomez did not pose for Playboy in March 2013. Why does the false “Playboy” rumor persist

While she has since done more mature shoots for magazines like V Magazine (2015) and (2013), she has never posed for Playboy. Did Selena Gomez Pose Naked for 'Playboy?' - Cambio The media's response to Gomez's Playboy appearance was

Rather than turning toward adult entertainment, Gomez used 2013 to launch her solo music career with the album Stars Dance. The lead single, "Come & Get It," featured a more mature sound and aesthetic, further cementing her departure from the "Alex Russo" persona.

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.