Playboy Special Edition Cover Set Selena Gomez May 2026

At the time, Gomez was just 20 years old and was still best known for her role as Alex Russo on the Disney Channel's hit show "Wizards of Waverly Place." The Playboy feature marked a significant departure from her typical wholesome image, and it helped to establish her as a serious actress and fashion icon.

Not everyone was pleased with Gomez's decision to appear on the cover of Playboy, however. Some critics accused her of trying too hard to be seen as a sex symbol, while others expressed concern that she was objectifying herself. playboy special edition cover set selena gomez

In response to the backlash, Gomez took to social media to defend her decision and explain her motivations. On Twitter, she wrote: "I'm not doing this for attention or to try and prove anything to anyone. I'm doing it because I feel comfortable in my own skin." At the time, Gomez was just 20 years