Selena Gomez has admitted that she lied when she said she was unbothered by body-shaming comments she received due to her lupus diagnosis. She has been an advocate for body positivity and mental health and has used her platform to raise awareness about important social issues such as immigrant rights and racial justice.
Selena Diagnosed With Lupus
In 2014, Selena was diagnosed with lupus, a medical condition that can cause weight gain, among other symptoms. Selena disclosed that she had been body-shamed for gaining weight, which she attributes to her lupus.
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Selena’s Stand Against Body Shaming
Last year, Selena took a stand against body shaming and criticized those who perpetrate it. She argued that it’s not worth it to deny oneself of their favorite foods just to be skinny because people will always find something to criticize. She then boldly declares that she is perfect just the way she is.
Selena’s Numerous Challenges During Her Treatment
Selena Gomez faced numerous challenges during her lupus treatment. This included physical discomfort and the added stress of public criticism regarding her weight.
Selena’s Weight Gain
Despite taking medication daily to manage her autoimmune disease, she experienced weight gain, which led to body-shaming on social media platforms. In 2018, paparazzi pictures of her wearing a bikini emerged, and some online commenters took the opportunity to criticize her appearance, labeling her as overweight.
Selena Calls Out Body Shamers
In a March 2018 Instagram post, Selena utilized her platform to call out society’s preoccupation with physical appearance. This was in response to the hurtful comments she received online.
What Selena Said In Her Instagram Post
“The beauty myth- an obsession with physical perfection that traps modern woman in an endless cycle of hopelessness, self-consciousness, and self-hatred as she tries to fulfill society’s impossible definition of flawless beauty,” Gomez wrote in the caption of a March 2018 Instagram post. “I chose to take care of myself because I want to, not to prove anything to anyone.”
Selena’s Dishonesty
Selena has revealed that she has been dishonest about her reaction to body-shaming comments directed towards her, as they deeply hurt her. Despite putting on a facade of being unaffected by the negativity on social media regarding her weight, Selena admits that she would privately break down in tears over the hurtful remarks.
Eye Opening Episode of ‘Dear…’
In a recent episode of the Apple TV+ show Dear, Selena revealed that despite her empowering message, the negative remarks she received on social media still affected her emotionally.
Purpose Behind Her Previous Statements
According to the star of Only Murders in the Building , she had a purpose behind her previous statements. Selena explained that she claimed the body-shaming comments didn’t affect her because she didn’t want others going through similar experiences to feel discouraged. She went on to emphasize that it’s unjust for individuals to be ridiculed for their appearance, identity, or who they love.
Selena’s Comment About Her Previous Statements
“I was being shamed for gaining weight because of my lupus. I lied,” Selena said. She continued, “I would go online, and I would post a picture of myself, and I would say, ‘it doesn’t matter.’ ‘I’m not accepting what you’re saying,’ all the while being in the room posting that, crying my eyes out, because nobody deserves to hear those things.”
‘I Don’t Think Anybody Deserves To Feel Less Than’
“I was posting these things saying, ‘it doesn’t bother me,’ because I didn’t want it to bother other people experiencing the same thing: getting shamed for what they look like, who they are, who they love,” she continued. “I just think it’s so unfair. I don’t think that anybody deserves to feel less than.”
Selena’s Kidney Transplant
Selena also opened up about her kidney transplant in 2017, generously donated by her close friend Francia Raisa. She expressed her gratitude towards Raisa, stating that she would never be able to repay her for such a selfless act.
How the Experience Impacted Her
Selena went on to explain that the experience led her to realize her purpose in life was to use her platform to help others. She and Raisa even got matching tattoos of the transplant date as a symbol of their unbreakable bond.
Selena’s Recent Social Media Hiatus
Recently, Selena took a brief hiatus from social media. This was following some perceived tension with Hailey Bieber. However, she has since returned to the platform.
Selena Urges Others To Show Kindness
In a TikTok comment that has since been removed, Selena Gomez urged others to show kindness and empathy towards one another, particularly regarding mental health. She shared that her heart felt heavy, but she wished for positivity and well-being for all. The singer concluded her comment with an expression of love for her followers.
Selena’s Other Struggles
Selena has been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression. She has used her platform to encourage others to seek help if they are struggling with their mental health.
Selena’s Initiatives Targeted To Mental Health
Selena has also been involved in several initiatives aimed at improving mental health resources. These include the Stronger Than You Think campaign.
Selena’s Other Advocacy
Furthermore, Selena has been an advocate for immigrant rights. She has spoken out against the Trump administration’s policies regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Advocate For Racial Justice
She has also been an advocate for racial justice and has used her social media platform to amplify the voices of Black activists and organizations. Overall, Selena Gomez has demonstrated a commitment to using her platform to raise awareness about important social issues and to promote positive change.
