Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
Selena Gomez, a beloved figure in music and acting, is yet again subjected to online harassment. Following the release of her latest music video, Into The Dark, social media was rife with body-shaming remarks and rumors regarding supposed cosmetic surgery. Grimes, a fellow musician, stepped in to offer support for Selena, condemning the cruelty of such attacks.
Into The Dark marks Selena's triumphant return to the music scene. The single features in the second season of Netflix’s show, Nobody Wants This, which stars Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. While fans rejoiced at her comeback, a faction of social media users chose to focus on her appearance rather than her artistry.
A viral tweet from a parody account insinuated that Selena had undergone surgery that “went wrong,” amassing over 61 million views along with a wave of scornful comments about her looks and weight. Users also drew unfounded comparisons with older images, falsely accusing her of using Botox or fillers.
Despite many of these images being manipulated or taken from unflattering angles, the tide of negative commentary surged, with harsh remarks continuing to proliferate.
Grimes Speaks Out: “This Is Unacceptable”
Grimes, the Canadian artist and mother to Elon Musk's children, publicly defended Selena. She expressed disbelief at the way Selena was treated online after just two days on the platform.
In her statement on X, Grimes remarked, “After watching the Into The Dark video, it’s clear Selena is stunning—one of the most beautiful women I’ve seen. The misuse of a few close-up shots doesn't define her value.” She emphasized the importance of understanding how such comments can negatively impact mental health.
Grimes condemned the rampant bullying, reflecting on the emotional toll it must take on Selena. “Imagine millions commenting negatively about your appearance. It's troubling. We must put an end to this kind of behavior and suspend accounts that propagate body-shaming,” she argued.
She also highlighted that many young girls look up to Selena, implying that such online hostility could inflict self-esteem issues on impressionable youth. “Cruel comments can lead young people to equate their worth with their looks, which is completely wrong,” she added.
The Dark Side of Social Media
Such occurrences underscore the harsh realities of social media where celebrities frequently face harsh scrutiny over their appearances, weight, or lifestyle choices. Selena has previously opened up about her battles with body image and health challenges, particularly lupus, which can lead to weight fluctuations. She has urged audiences to refrain from making comments about her appearance, emphasizing that she doesn't have control over how she looks.
Nonetheless, many internet users persist in fixating on her image rather than her talent. Experts caution that this kind of behavior can be detrimental to one’s mental health, potentially leading to anxiety or depression.
Support Shines Bright for Selena
While some opted for mockery, many fans rallied around Selena, lauding her bravery and expressing gratitude toward Grimes for her support. Social media was filled with uplifting messages, reinforcing Selena’s longstanding commitment to kindness and mental health advocacy through her philanthropic initiatives.
One supportive voice declared, “Selena remains one of the most genuine artists. The hate needs to stop.” Another chimed in, “Grimes speaks the truth; this constant body-shaming is toxic.”
A Call for Online Decency
Although Selena has yet to comment on the recent trolling, she has consistently championed self-love and positivity. Past interviews reflect her message: “Be kind; you never know what others are facing.”
Grimes' remarks have ignited wider discussions about how social media platforms manage bullying. Many believe tighter regulations are essential to curtail the circulation of doctored images and harmful commentary.
This event is a stark reminder that even strong celebrities face substantial challenges from online animosity. As Grimes emphasized, “It’s unfair and disturbing. We need to aspire to do better.”
Selena continues to advance her music and acting career, inspiring countless fans globally. Her narrative serves as a reminder to engage respectfully, both online and offline.
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