Selena Gomez recently became the center of controversy after posting an Instagram video expressing distress over the deportation of individuals accused of serious crimes.
Breitbart reported that Gomez posted an Instagram video expressing distress over serious criminals' deportation, quickly drawing backlash and leading to the video's deletion.
The pop singer and actress, who boasts 422 million followers on Instagram, shared a tearful message in which she seemed to sympathize with the deportees.
These individuals were accused of heinous acts like child rape, human trafficking, and involvement in violent gangs.
As soon as the video went live, reactions poured in from all corners of social media. Many viewers were critical of Gomez, arguing that her emotional response was inappropriate given the serious nature of the accusations against the deportees.
Critics argued Gomez's actions displayed a lack of understanding of the severity of the crimes involved. Social media users and commentators swiftly labeled her as out of touch, suggesting her empathy was misplaced.
The backlash was fueled by pointed comments from several high-profile figures. Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren tweeted, “This is why we don’t take our political advice from Disney child stars,” emphasizing a lack of support for Gomez's stance.
Lahren further criticized Gomez by questioning her defense of individuals connected to such crimes, stating, “We’re just sending them home, Selena. And the fact that you’re defending rapists and murderers just shows how stupid you are.”
Charlie Kirk, another outspoken critic, juxtaposed Gomez's reaction against other national tragedies, asking why there wasn't similar public grieving from her over victims of fentanyl poisoning or specific Americans who suffered from violent crimes.
The strong criticisms highlighted a broader discontent with celebrities commenting on complex political topics without a perceived sufficient understanding of the issues.
Gomez, born in Texas to an American family with a mixed heritage, was also reminded of her American identity by commentators like Benny Johnson and anonymous social media users, suggesting she should focus her sympathies more on American victims.
Tim Pool, a journalist, and YouTuber, made a stark comment on the situation: “I didn’t realize Selena Gomez was friends with so many pedophiles, rapists, and murderers,” which echoes the broad sentiment that celebrities might be disconnected from everyday realities.
Gomez's distressed cry in the video, saying, “All my people are getting attacked, the children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry, I wish I could do something but I can’t...” showcased her emotional involvement, yet did not spare her from criticism.
Accusations of Gomez's emotions being performative also surfaced. An anonymous social media user accused her of “fake crying” over the deportation issue, compounding the backlash the star faced.
Others contrasted her public breakdown to the lack of public mourning for victims like Laken Riley, questioning whether her tears were equally available for all victims of crime, not just the deportees.
As the drama unfolded, Gomez opted to delete the controversial video, perhaps in an attempt to quell the growing criticism. However, this action did little to stem the tide of strong opinions.
The deletion of the video did not immediately pacify her detractors, and discussions about her perspective and the appropriateness of her interference in such a sensitive issue continued to dominate online forums.
“It’s not ok to show empathy for people,” Gomez remarked, reflecting her surprise at the intensity of the public reaction to her originally intended message of sympathy and compassion.
The entire incident has sparked a broader discussion about the role of celebrities in political debates, particularly those involving legal and immigration issues. Gomez's experience underscores the challenges faced by public figures when they choose to engage with highly divisive topics.