Selena Gomez, the beloved actress and singer known for her role in Only Murders in the Building, opened up about the intense scrutiny she faces regarding her body image, particularly how women are judged differently than men. Appearing on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty Podcast alongside her fiancé, producer Benny Blanco, Gomez, 32, discussed the emotional impact of public comments about her appearance, sharing how such comments affect her mental well-being.
During the March 24 episode, Gomez expressed frustration about how much attention is given to women’s weight, a topic she feels is rarely discussed when it comes to men. “It makes me a tad bitter,” Gomez admitted. “Because those comments are always directed at women, and no one cares about these kinds of things with men.” This candid statement reflects Gomez’s broader thoughts on body image and the gendered nature of public commentary.
The Pressures of Public Appearance
Throughout the interview, Gomez discussed how, as a public figure, she feels a heightened level of scrutiny about her appearance, particularly when preparing for public events. She said, “When I get prepared for an event, 90 percent of the time I’m just like, ‘I just hope I can take the picture and sit down.’” Despite her success in the entertainment industry, the constant judgment from online and media outlets still weighs heavily on her. “I try not to look at Internet comments,” she said, “but there are so many different things that come up in my face that I can’t help but see. I fall victim to looking at things.”
In her conversation with Shetty, Gomez shared that the criticism she faces goes beyond her body. “It’s the character that gets judged,” she explained. “It’s the way I’m not white enough, I’m not Mexican enough… nobody cares about those kinds of things with men.” The layered nature of her public image means that she is often judged on various aspects of her identity, which adds to the emotional burden.
Dealing with Weight Fluctuations and Health Challenges
Gomez also discussed how her battle with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disorder, affects her body and weight. “The medication I take for lupus causes my weight to fluctuate,” she explained. “I would rather be healthy and take care of myself. My medications are important, and I believe that they’re what helps me.” This honest reflection illustrates the difficulties of managing a chronic illness while under public scrutiny.
She emphasized that while she may not fit traditional beauty standards, her health is her priority. “I’m not a model, never will be,” Gomez said. “And I think models are awesome, mind you. I’m just definitely not that.” This self-acceptance resonates with many fans who appreciate Gomez’s transparency in discussing the realities of living with a chronic illness.
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Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
As one of the most-followed celebrities on social media, Selena Gomez’s relationship with platforms like Instagram and Twitter is complex. She revealed that she has no social media apps on her phone at the moment, a step she took to protect her mental health. “I’m human and sometimes I read things,” she confessed. “But I do, most of the time, ignore everything. I don’t have anything on my phone at that moment. So, there are ways to combat it.”
Gomez’s comments reflect the growing conversation about the negative effects social media can have on self-esteem and mental health. She acknowledged the power and influence social media holds, but also highlighted its difficulties. “I’m not in, like, ‘I hate it,’” she explained. “I understand the power of what social media is. It’s just tricky.”
By stepping away from social media apps on her phone, Gomez has found a way to shield herself from constant judgment, providing an example of how public figures can prioritize their mental health in an age of digital scrutiny.
Impact of Constant Media Attention
For many public figures, constant media attention, particularly on their appearance, can be emotionally taxing. This was a sentiment Gomez echoed during her conversation with Shetty. While she admitted to feeling “sad” about the constant weight-focused commentary, she was careful not to position herself as a victim. “I’m not a victim,” she clarified. “Everyone — I just think it’s made me a tad bitter and I feel really guilty for saying that but it’s true.”
This honest admission speaks to the complexity of being both a public figure and a person with real, human emotions. Gomez’s self-awareness and willingness to open up about the impact of public scrutiny on her mental health is a reminder of the pressures many celebrities face behind the scenes.
Navigating Expectations and Setting Boundaries
Gomez’s comments about her struggles with body image and the way she navigates public expectations are important in the broader context of the entertainment industry. Celebrities, particularly women, are often held to impossible beauty standards, with public commentary about their weight, appearance, and overall image constantly in the spotlight. For Gomez, setting boundaries and acknowledging the toll these expectations take on her mental health has allowed her to protect her well-being.
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By discussing her experiences on Shetty’s podcast, Gomez also helps bring attention to the importance of mental health and the need for greater empathy in the way celebrities are treated by the media. As she continues to prioritize her health, it is clear that Gomez’s openness will inspire many of her fans who may also struggle with body image issues or feel the weight of societal expectations.
A Stronger Voice for Change
Selena Gomez has become an advocate for mental health and wellness, using her platform to speak candidly about her personal struggles. In 2020, she launched the Rare Impact Fund, which aims to increase access to mental health services for young people. Her willingness to share her own journey — including the difficulties she faces with body image, lupus, and the pressures of fame — makes her an important voice in conversations about self-care, mental health, and the impact of social media on personal well-being.
As a role model for many, Gomez’s message encourages others to embrace their uniqueness and prioritize their health over external judgments. “I’m just trying to be me,” she said during the podcast. This authenticity continues to resonate with fans who admire her for speaking out on topics that are often difficult to discuss.
