Selena Gomez, the 32-year-old pop sensation and actor, recently found herself at the center of a heated social media debate following her comments about immigration raids in the United States. Born in Grand Prairie, Texas, Gomez has deep familial roots that trace back to Monterrey, Nueva León, Mexico. Her paternal grandparents, Mary and Ricardo Gomez, immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970s and secured citizenship after nearly two decades. Despite her family's long-standing American ties, Gomez's empathetic stance towards those affected by immigration crackdowns has sparked controversy.
Gomez, known for her chart-topping hits and acting prowess, purchased a home in Encino, California, which was once owned by the legendary rock star Tom Petty. She maintains a close relationship with her family, openly sharing her home with her grandparents. Her grandfather, who first revealed her battle with lupus in 2014, remains a significant influence in her life.
In a recent recording, Gomez expressed her sorrow regarding the impact of former President Donald Trump's immigration policies. She lamented:
"I just wanted to say that I’m so sorry. All my people are getting attacked, the children. I don’t understand." – Selena Gomez
The video, however, drew considerable backlash from conservatives supportive of deportation efforts. Many criticized Gomez for seemingly opposing the nation's immigration enforcement measures.
Despite the criticism, Gomez stood firm in her convictions. She conveyed her commitment to supporting affected individuals, stating:
"I wish I could do something, but I can’t. I’ll try everything. I promise." – Selena Gomez
Her comments further fueled the controversy, leading to what she described as a "social media pile-on." Faced with intense scrutiny, Gomez ultimately decided to remove the video from her platforms.
In response to a specific comment from a conservative critic, Gomez humorously deflected the criticism:
"Oh Mr Parker, Mr Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat." – Selena Gomez
Gomez's career continues to flourish despite the controversy. In 2019, she achieved a No. 1 single with "Lose You to Love Me" and followed up with her third consecutive No. 1 album in 2020. Additionally, she gained critical acclaim for her role in the Emmy-nominated TV series "Only Murders in the Building," which she began starring in 2021. Her contributions to music have also been recognized with two Grammy awards.
The backlash Gomez faced highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies in the United States. Her expression of empathy was met with polarized reactions, reflecting broader societal divides on this sensitive topic.