News
It’s Official: Levi Johnston Nude Playgirl Shoot Is Set by Steve Weinstein
EDGE Editor-In-ChiefFriday Nov 6, 2009 After two weeks of what spokesperson Daniel Nardicio describes as "intense negotiations," Playgirl.com and Levi Johnston have entered an agreement for Levi Johnston to pose in New York City.
"We’ve finally finished working out the details, and we’re very excited to have Levi in NYC for a series of shoots, some nude, some semi-nude." Nardicio said in a release. "I’ve been scouting locations for the shoot, and have found some unique and exciting spots. I’ve been speaking to a few media outlets, and we’re working together with Levi to see what he wants to do."
The photos will be taken by longtime Playgirl photographer Greg Weiner. Although Nardicio didn’t specify the locations, media sources have been gossiping about an ice rink to play off Johnston’s interest in hockey.
As to the question uppermost in everyone’s mind, Nardicio assures an anxious public that, "We have been assured that yes, there will be nudity."
Nardicio described the celebrity shoot as "a new direction for Playgirl." The magazine folded in November along with many other print publications. In August, Playgirl brought on Nardicio to lend direction and scout models. Nardicio is well known on the New York gay club scene for his outrageous bare-it-all-and-then-some parties.
His first model attempt was Mr Johnston. He describes the ongoing response as a "media frenzy." For once, the hype is justified. As detailed here on EDGE, the shoot sparked widespread media interest.
For his part, Nardicio is using the shoot as a platform to reposition the venerable skin rag. "We’ve been taking Playgirl into a more rugged, athletic college aged direction which we feel Levi is perfect for," he said. "The amount of publicity this shoot has generated has been staggering, but we think the photos themselves will have the public reeling."
But the history of his shoot has been as up and down, as, well, let’s just say Sarah Palin’s political career. EDGE broke the story that Johnston was very much on the fence about the shoot as late as last week. Palin herself has publicly condemned Johnston for the shoot. Right-wing bloggers have joined the attack.
Check out the comments here or here, for example. It may be worth noting that these are the same commenters who were praising both Palin, Sarah and Bristol, last year for bringing Johnston into the family fold.
"We are aware of certain political implications," Nardicio acknowledged, while adding, "although our decision to have Levi pose are less political and more to do with the fact that he’s a hot, all-American guy."
The shoots are scheduled for Nov. 13, 14 and 15 in New York. To follow all the goings-on, go to Playgirl on Twitter. The online magazine is planning a full plate of public and media outings for Alaska’s most famous teen-age hockey player and thorn in the side of America’s most outspoken and prominent right-wing politician.
EDGE Editor-in-Chief Steve Weinstein has been a regular correspondent for the International Herald Tribune, the Advocate, the Village Voice and Out. He has been covering the AIDS crisis since the early ’80s, when he began his career. He is the author of "The Q Guide to Fire Island" (Alyson, 2007).
|
|
|
Email
Print
Share