The confusion typically stems from a combination of her provocative 2013 film roles, real-life magazine shoots for other publications, and fan-made digital edits that were widely mistaken for authentic covers. The Origin of the 2013 Rumors
: The term "patched" often refers to fan-edited versions of these fakes where certain parts of the image were digitally covered or altered to appear more "PG" or realistic, which further confused audiences about the image's legitimacy. Real High-Fashion Shoots Often Mistaken for Playboy selena gomez playboy magazine march 2013 patched
: Perhaps the most famous "near-miss" was her V Magazine cover , where she appeared topless (covering herself with her arms). This shoot was highly controversial due to its "Lolita-style" aesthetic but had no affiliation with Playboy. Official Stance on Nudity The confusion typically stems from a combination of
In early 2013, rumors intensified that Gomez was shedding her "Disney" image to transition into more adult roles. This period coincided with the release of the film , in which Gomez played a bikini-clad character. This shoot was highly controversial due to its
: Later that year, Gomez posed for a darker, more mature spread in Flaunt, featuring a short wig and lingerie.
Gomez has been open about the pressure she felt to sexualise her image during her early twenties. In a 2022 roundtable with The Hollywood Reporter , she expressed regret over appearing nude for her 2015 Revival album cover, stating she felt "ashamed" and pressured into the decision.