Fame and spotlight can often be cruel, a reality pop star Selena Gomez knows all too well.
On March 24, 2025, Gomez made a rare joint appearance with her fiancé, Benny Blanco, on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast.
During the candid conversation, the Kill ‘Em With Kindness singer opened up about the struggles of growing up in the public eye, a reality she has faced since the age of seven. Reflecting on the emotional and mental toll of fame, she admitted,
“It’s just so difficult from the choices… I think we just carry a lot. Everybody just has something to say and it’s really making me sad. Not even sad, but I think it’s made me a tad bitter. And I feel really guilty for saying that. But it’s true”.
Selena, who has been battling lupus for years, also spoke candidly about her weight fluctuations and the relentless body-shaming she has endured online. She said,
“My weight is a big one! This isn’t news to anybody that women have a lot more intense feelings from their appearance, to what they are wearing, to everything. When I get prepared for an event, 90 percent of the time I’m saying, I just hope I can take [a good] picture and sit down”.
Selena Gomez Opens Up About The Harsh Online Scrutiny Women Face
Coming from a Hispanic background and navigating the relentless entertainment industry, the Sunset Blvd singer revealed how she has faced intense online scrutiny, not just for her weight but for nearly every aspect of her identity. She shared,
“It’s the character that gets judged. It’s the way I’m not white enough. I’m not Mexican enough. There’s just so many different things that come up in my face that I just can’t help but see. I fall victim to looking at things. It doesn’t add anything to your life”.
Explaining how she copes with online criticism, the Wizards of Waverly Place alum revealed that stepping away from social media has been a crucial strategy for her.
“I had to stop after a while. And I still take breaks because I’m human and sometimes I read things. But I do most of the time ignore everything. I don’t have anything on my phone at the moment. So, there are ways to combat it”.
Selena wrapped up the conversation by expressing her gratitude for her fiancé, and how his unwavering support helps her navigate life’s toughest moments. Gushing over Benny, she shared,
“He’s the one person, you know he says those nice things to me, I believe him. To where I’m not going to believe someone who is blowing smoke up my butt to just make me feel good. He’s saying it because he believes it, and that makes me feel good”.
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco first crossed paths in 2015 during a music collaboration. Later, in December 2023, their platonic bond evolved into a full-fledged romance. A year later, in December 2024, the songstress announced the couple’s engagement on her Instagram.
Fans Rally Behind The Singer After Her Candid Confession
Following Selena’s heartfelt revelations, fans took to social media to shower her with love and support. Many praised her resilience and courage in the face of relentless scrutiny. Some such encouraging comments read,
“I can’t even imagine what it all does to her self esteem. I know it would ruin mine but she is so much stronger than me!”
“When you are loved the right way, you start loving yourself and putting up those boundaries she’s gone through so much to be so young. Leave her alone”.
“There is and never should be an issue about her weight. She is stunning no matter what”.
“You are beautiful inside and out. There will always be haters. Ignore them. ❤️😍”
Through all the highs and lows of fame, Selena Gomez continues to embrace her truth with grace and resilience. With unwavering support from Benny Blanco and her devoted fans, she’s proving that self-love always shines brighter than the noise.