Love + Sex

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Chelsea Handler in Playboy: Empowering or degrading?

Let me get this out of the way upfront: I love Chelsea Handler. I think she's smart, quick, funny, genuine, and one of the best interviewers on TV. (I a little bit hate her show's corny "panel," but she's still an ace.)  That said, I'm all sorts of conflicted about the 34 year old's new Playboy cover.

Handler is a sharp-witted, foul-mouthed badass who calls things like she sees them and reduces her oft-douchey male guests to stuttering, needy little boys. There's a bit of a disconnect between this powerful-female persona and the "Ho! Ho! Ho!" hottie who's getting her pants pulled off on the cover of national nudie mag. 

Or is there? Handler's body looks great, she doesn't get naked inside, and who says a lady can't be strong and funny and sexy and flirty all at the same time? Times have changed, for sure, and the fact that the comedian seems in on the joke makes all of this seem more pro-woman than anything we ever saw on "The Girls Next Door."

Still, I'm torn. But I do know one thing: No matter what it represents, the December Playboy cover is a whole helluva lot better than its November one, which really (still) freaks me out. Source: EW
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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 48
  • Shivers's Avatar
    Posted by Shivers Tue Nov 3, 2009 7:18am PST

    I think she is still being her strong woman self in this cover. She has a very powerful stance going on...and the cane pulling her pants off is a little degrading...but i see the humor in it

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  • SILENT KNIGHT's Avatar
    Posted by SILENT KNIGHT Tue Nov 3, 2009 7:21am PST

    She's like crazy sexy cool or the ultimate tease. She took some nice pics from what I've seen. She's getting the exposure without being totally exposed. The truth is over rated at times and she appears to be a welcomed fantasy or breath of fresh air. There's never a dull moment with her. She'l like the sexy Ellen.

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  • another hockey fan's Avatar
    Posted by another hockey fan Tue Nov 3, 2009 7:28am PST

    I'd give anything to be in Playboy and I know my hubby would support it too. I've got the body, just too old at 44 though.............

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  • None's Avatar
    Posted by None Tue Nov 3, 2009 8:27am PST

    Who cares! Its just nudity honestly, and Chelsea is not a lady she talks a lot of trash, LOL, but I still loves her! Did her midget Jose co-photo? LOL

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  • deleta's Avatar
    Posted by deleta Tue Nov 3, 2009 9:08am PST

    The only reason she is posing is because she needs the cash. She broke up with her boyfriend and he is part owner/producer of her show. Playboy is still porn no matter whose ass is on the cover. You can bet she's getting a pretty penny for posing.

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  • jules's Avatar
    Posted by jules Tue Nov 3, 2009 9:20am PST

    I think it's fine for her to be on the cover. Honestly, I think your article is demeaning: you seem to be saying that a woman can be a) a hot bimbo, OR b) a smart, witty, badass, but not both.

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  • JennA's Avatar
    Posted by JennA Tue Nov 3, 2009 9:23am PST

    yeah..where's Chewy...does Playgirl have the pics with him getting his pants pulled..lol..have a sense of humor peeps

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  • Penny's Avatar
    Posted by Penny Tue Nov 3, 2009 9:41am PST

    I think America as a whole should lighten up and get a sense of humor. Everything anyone does anymore has all these underlying meanings and is in someway, form, or fashion, trying to demean SOMETHING! Ugh cant a person just SAY SOMETHING!!! You know a pointless, mindless statement or action meant to make those around you giggle without it defining your entire persona and outlook on the world as a whole? OY I agree with Jenna HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR PEEPS =)

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  • Krysten's Avatar
    Posted by Krysten Tue Nov 3, 2009 9:49am PST

    i think shes hilarious and looks amazing. why should people care? its her choice. if you dont like it, dont look at it.

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  • None's Avatar
    Posted by None Tue Nov 3, 2009 10:08am PST

    ROFL Ya thanks "JennA" that's what I meant s---, now I am stereotyping my own Mexicans LOL "Chuey the midget!

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Comments 1-10 of 48

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