In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, celebrities often find themselves at the intersection of personal expression and public scrutiny.
Selena Gomez, one of the most followed celebrities on Instagram, has found herself in the middle of controversy after sharing an emotional video that has since been deleted.
The incident has sparked widespread debate, drawing both support and criticism from different corners of the internet.
In late January 2025, Gomez shared a heartfelt video on her Instagram account where she appeared visibly distressed.
In the video, she expressed deep concern over the intensified immigration enforcement actions taking place in the United States.
She stated, “I’m so sorry. All my people are getting attacked. The children, I don’t understand. I wish I could do something but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.”
The video was a direct response to one of President Donald Trump‘s executive orders, which significantly ramped up deportation efforts.
According to reports, these operations led to over 1,200 arrests nationwide, affecting families and individuals across the country.
Her message resonated with many, especially those who have been directly impacted by the policy changes.
However, it also triggered a wave of backlash from conservative commentators and political figures who accused her of being overly dramatic.
One of the most vocal critics was political commentator Tomi Lahren, who referred to Gomez as a “certified moron.”
Lahren further suggested that celebrities should refrain from speaking on political matters, as they often lack an in-depth understanding of such issues.
Following the intense criticism, Gomez decided to remove the video from her Instagram account.
Shortly after deleting it, she posted another message that read, “Apparently it’s not OK to show empathy for people.”
This statement seemed to reflect her frustration over the negative reactions she had received online.
The controversy surrounding the video quickly gained momentum, spreading across various social media platforms.
Supporters defended Gomez, arguing that she was merely expressing compassion for those affected by immigration policies.
Meanwhile, critics claimed that she was using her platform irresponsibly and engaging in performative activism.
The backlash had an impact beyond online debates and media discussions.
According to analytics from Social Blade, Gomez’s Instagram account experienced a substantial decline in followers over the past month.
Data reveals that she has lost approximately 715,000 followers within a 30-day period following the controversy.
This marks one of the most significant follower drops she has faced in recent years, raising questions about how public opinion influences celebrity social media presence.
Gomez has been an outspoken advocate for immigration rights in the past, having executive produced the 2019 Netflix documentary “Living Undocumented.”
She has also openly discussed her own family’s immigrant background, making this a deeply personal issue for her.
Despite this, it appears that a segment of her audience was not receptive to her recent stance, leading to the steep decline in her follower count.
An insider source revealed to Daily Mail that Gomez was worried the video would show “weakness” and potentially alienate Republican fans of her beauty brand, Rare Beauty.
The source added that Gomez is deeply passionate about the issue but feels like she “can never win” due to the divisive reactions.
“She is going to stay out of politics and in her own lane after that drama,” the insider summarized.
Adding to the controversy, Gomez’s upcoming film Emilia Pérez has also faced criticism, particularly from Mexican audiences.
The film tells the story of a Mexican lawyer who helps a cartel boss retire and transition into living as a woman.
Paul Lenglet, co-founder of CritiqueJeu, observed that criticism of the film has now exacerbated the backlash over her deportation video.
“The film’s backlash, especially from Mexican audiences, is now combined with backlash from her video condemning the deportation of Mexican immigrants by ICE,” Lenglet explained.
“Gomez has been known for publicly speaking out, but this can alienate different segments of her fanbase – and potential Rare Beauty customers.”
The incident underscores the delicate balance celebrities must maintain when addressing sensitive socio-political issues.
While many admire Gomez for using her platform to speak out, others believe it comes with consequences that can affect her brand and public perception.
Upon reflection, it is evident that navigating public advocacy in the digital age is more complex than ever.
