Selena Gomez is getting candid about how the ongoing scrutiny of her body has affected her.
During the Monday, March 24 episode of the On Purpose podcast with Jay Shetty, the 32-year-old singer and actress spoke openly about the persistent online commentary surrounding her weight.
“Everyone just has something to say, and it’s really making me sad— not even sad, ‘cause I’m not a victim, everyone— I just think it’s made me a tad bitter.
And I feel really guilty for saying that, but it’s true,” Gomez shared with Shetty, 37, during the interview, which also featured her fiancé, Benny Blanco.
Gomez Struggles with Online Criticism
The Only Murders in the Building star previously addressed her weight fluctuations in February 2023, explaining that her lupus medication can cause changes in her body.
While she makes an effort to avoid reading about herself online, some comments inevitably slip through.
“So many different things come up in my face that I can’t help but see,” she said. “I fall victim to looking at things.”
Gomez has been vocal about the negative impact of body shaming in the past. In a February 2023 TikTok Live, she discussed her lupus treatment and reiterated the importance of prioritizing her health over public opinion.
Selena Gomez (Photo: Getty Images)“I tend to hold a lot of water weight, and that happens very normally. And then when I’m off of [my medication], I tend to lose weight,” she explained at the time.
“I just want to encourage anyone out there who feels any sort of shame… nobody knows the real story.
You’re beautiful and wonderful, and yeah, maybe we have days where we feel like s—, but I would much rather be healthy and take care of myself.”
Gomez was diagnosed with lupus in 2014, and in 2017, she underwent a kidney transplant, with her close friend Francia Raisa donating an organ to her.
Facing Criticism Beyond Her Body
Beyond weight-related remarks, Gomez shared that she also experiences criticism in her professional life.
During the podcast, she discussed her role in Emilia Pérez and how she’s faced judgment over her identity.
“It’s the character that gets judged. It’s the way I’m not white enough, I’m not Mexican enough,” she revealed.
She also pointed out the double standards that exist in Hollywood.
“Nobody cares about those kinds of things with men,” Gomez noted.
A Message of Strength
Despite the negativity, Gomez continues to advocate for self-love and body positivity, reminding others that no one should feel ashamed for simply existing in their own skin.
Her openness about mental health, body image, and self-acceptance reinforces the message that everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their own body—free from judgment.