The primary reason the public so easily believed the Playboy rumors in March 2013 was the exact timing of her cinematic departure from Disney. The Reality in March 2013
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While Gomez has done provocative shoots to transition away from her Disney image, they were for high-fashion or entertainment publications, not adult magazines: Flaunt Magazine (2013) The primary reason the public so easily believed
This article provides a definitive breakdown of what happened, where this rumor originated, and why the "link" you're seeking doesn't lead anywhere real. where this rumor originated