Selena Gomez, the Wizards of Waverly Place star, has faced online criticism before, but this week she addressed particularly harsh comments about her body. Her response was posted in a comment on TikTok after users shared photos from the premiere of her new film Emilia Pérez at the American French Film Festival in Los Angeles.
In photos from the event, Gomez appears radiant in a black dress with ruched fabric, but has her hands positioned over her torso in several pictures. Her supposed fans commented on the pose, implying she was concealing her body in some manner. Eventually, Gomez responded, emphasizing that her primary focus is her well-being.
“The speculation makes me feel unwell,” she wrote. “I have SEBO in my small intestine, which causes flare-ups. I don’t care that I don’t have a stick-thin figure. That’s not my body type. That’s just the way it is. I’m not a victim. I’m simply human.”
The singer is discussing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, a digestive condition that makes it challenging to process food and can lead to bloating, abdominal discomfort, and malnutrition. Gomez has been candid about her ongoing health challenges, including her lupus diagnosis and 2017 kidney transplant.
In a TikTok Live in February 2023, Gomez discussed how her physical appearance varies depending on her overall health condition.
“I often retain a significant amount of water weight, which is a common occurrence. I tend to lose weight when I stop taking whatever is causing water retention problems. I want to encourage anyone who may feel ashamed about their situation, as no one knows the full story. You are beautiful, regardless of what you are going through.”
