With the rise of social media, celebrities and influencers are increasingly prone to receiving hate comments, which often target their bodies.

Many celebrities, including Selena Gomez, have been subjected to this, and this time was no different.

Her latest movie, Emilia Pérez, premiered at the American French Film Festival in Los Angeles last week. Naturally, the movie’s actress, Gomez, also attended the screening.

The actress looked fabulous in a classic black ruched dress as she posed on the red carpet. Many noticed that she placed her hands on the lower part of her stomach.

Some people online speculated that her hand placement was intentional. They reportedly believed it was a response to the body-shaming comments she received during another event.

The discussion on social media continued, particularly on TikTok, after a new viral video of the artist began circulating.

While seemingly referring to her attendance at the premiere of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place on Monday, a TikTok user commented, “The fact that she probably saw all those disgusting comments about her body yesterday, and today she’s covering her stomach.”

Another person shared that she gets picked on for everything, which was “heartbreaking.” Someone else commented that the internet was “everyone’s biggest hater.” According to the publication, the video has since been removed.

The ‘Calm Down’ singer addressed the situation herself and clarified the issue.

“This makes me sick. I have SIBO in my small intestine. It flares up. I don’t care that I don’t look like a stick figure. I don’t have that body. End of story. No, I am NOT a victim. I’m just human.”
Selena Gomez

SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It occurs when food and waste products moving through the digestive tract are slowed down, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Those affected may experience stomach pain, bloating, and malnutrition.

Despite receiving hate comments, the singer is making waves in the industry. She is reportedly being considered for an Academy Award nomination for her role in Emilia Pérez.

The film was also screened during this year’s Cannes Film Festival and earned an 11-minute standing ovation.

In spite of her success, Selena has been vocal about the negative effects of online criticism. She has candidly shared her experiences with body shaming, especially during times when her weight has fluctuated due to health issues like lupus.

Instead of allowing these comments to silence her, Selena has used her platform to advocate for body positivity and mental health awareness.

Singer Reveals Most Nervous Moment

Selena Gomez revealed that preparing for her latest role was “the most nervous I’ve ever been for an audition”.

The ‘Lose You To Love Me’ singer plays Jessi Del Monte in the Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez, directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard.

The film, which has already been tipped for success at the Oscars, follows a Mexican Cartel leader who fakes his own death and starts a new life as a woman.

Selena Gomez stated when she first saw the script, she wasn’t sure how it would work but put her faith in Audiard.

The Grammy-nominated artist admits she had “never really properly done a musical” before.

“When I read it and understood it I was like, ‘How on earth are they going to make this movie? But we never doubted him ever.”
Selena Gomez

In the film, which also stars Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Adriana Paz, Selena plays the wife of the Cartel leader who becomes Emilia Pérez, played by Karla. “Jessi is the wife, she’s a mother, she’s struggling with confusion – losing the love of her life and all the confusing parts of it,” Selena said.

Emilia Pérez is set to be released in cinemas and on Netflix in the UK later this month but has already had generally positive reviews.

Selena, Zoe, Karla, and Adriana have already bagged the prize for best actress at the Cannes Film Festival and Variety suggests the film could be the streaming platform’s first to win best picture at the Oscars.