The controversy surrounding the photoshoot had a significant impact on Gomez's public image. She faced both support and backlash from her fans and the media, which she later addressed in interviews, stating her right to express herself as an adult.

In July 2013, hackers gained access to Gomez's private Instagram account and leaked several uncensored photos of her to the internet. The photos, which were reportedly taken by a friend, showed Gomez nude and semi-nude in various poses. The leak caused a significant stir in the media, with many outlets speculating about the authenticity of the photos and the circumstances surrounding the leak. Several weeks later, Playboy magazine published a feature on Gomez, including several of the leaked photos.

The rumors began when a raunchy image, supposedly from a Playboy shoot, appeared on various social media platforms. However, official sources and fact-checkers confirmed that the girl in the photo was not Selena Gomez.