Playboy Takes Back Identity, Returns to Nudity

Playboy Takes Back Identity, Returns to Nudity

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Playboy is making its magazine great again.

Nude shots have made a comeback with Playboy's March/April 2017 issue featuring topless Playmate Elizabeth Elam as Miss March 2017, along with the headline “Naked Is Normal.”

The 63-year-old men’s magazine is bringing back nudes one year after banning naked photos in an effort to boost circulation and attract more mainstream advertisers. That novel effort apparently failed.

“I’ll be the first to admit the way in which the magazine portrayed nudity was dated, but removing it entirely was a mistake,” Cooper Hefner tweeted Monday. “Nudity was never the problem, because nudity isn’t a problem. Today, we’re taking our identity back and rediscovering who we are.”

Hefner is the son of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner and an outspoken critic of the move to ban nudes. He was installed as Playboy's chief creative officer this past October.

Traverse, the investment company that took over majority control in 2011, had been trying to sell the company or attract new investors. But those efforts apparently haven’t amounted to a bona fide offer.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

XBIZ Expo Kicks Off With Buzz-Filled Show Floor

The 2026 edition of XBIZ Expo officially kicked off Friday morning on the mezzanine level of the Loews Hollywood Hotel, where prominent buyers and sellers mingled in the hopes of closing deals.

Dreamcam Rolls Out Web-Based Passthrough VR

Dreamcam has introduced web-based passthrough VR functionality to its streaming platform.

2026 TEAs Nominees Announced

Nominees for the 2026 Trans Erotica Awards (TEAs), presented by Clips4Sale, have been announced. The ceremony will return to the Avalon in Hollywood on Sunday, March 8.

Paradise Debuts 'Illumination' Line

Paradise Pleasure Products has introduced its new Illumination collection of pleasure products.

Orion Debuts New Styles From 'Svenjoyment' Line

Orion Wholesale has released four new styles from its Svenjoyment undergarment line.

JD Directs New Arya Santana Showcase

Evil Angel has released director JD’s latest showcase, titled "Bad Behavior: Arya Santana."

Viben Acquires Get Lucky, Mini Halo Brands

Viben has acquired the Get Lucky and Mini Halo pleasure product brands.

Paul Reutershan Joins National Sales Team

Paul Reutershan has joined the sales team at National Distribution.

Lauren Phillips, Derek Kage Cap AEBN's Top 100 Stars of 2025

AEBN has revealed its top 100-selling stars of 2025 in both gay and straight theaters.

Starship Introduces New Wellness, Pleasure Product Lines

Starship has debuted its new On My Mind lubricant line and Devil Got Bound bondage collection.

Show More