Body-shaming trolls have been warned. If you aren't being supportive, you can "go away."
Selena Gomez said just that when she addressed the attention focused on her recent weight gain in a TikTok livestream.
The Only Murders in the Building star has explained over and over the medication she takes for lupus has various side effects, including shaky hands—which was also previously a focus for some trolls—and bloating caused by water retention.
During her livestream she shared:
"I tend to hold a lot of water weight, and that happens very normally. When I'm off of [the medication], I tend to lose weight."
"Really, guys, I just wanted to... encourage anyone out there who feels any sort of shame for exactly what they're going through, and nobody knows the real story."
She continued:
"I just want people to know that you're beautiful and you're wonderful. Yeah, we have days where maybe we feel like sh*t, but I would much rather be healthy and take care of myself."
"And my medications are important, and I believe they are what helps me."
"Not a model, never will be. I think they're awesome, mind you, I'm just definitely not that."
She finished with a message for both her fans and haters:
"I just wanted to tell you I love you guys, and thanks for supporting me and understanding."
"And if not, go away, 'cause honestly, I don't believe in shaming people for their body or anything."
You can watch the stream below.
WARNING: NSFW language
Many took to Twitter to share their support for Gomez.
Some who have gone through similar experiences sympathized with her.
Others came to her defense telling her to pay no mind to trolls. She's beautiful inside and out and agreed her health should be her priority.
Gomez confirmed her Lupus diagnosis in 2015 and has been public about her struggles with the disease as well as the effects of her medication.The singer and actor also had a kidney transplant in 2017 and underwent chemotherapy for her illness.
Gomez's 2022 documentary Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me gives viewers a glimpse into the physical and mental challenges she faces dealing with the invisible chronic illness.
It is currently available for streaming on Apple TV+.
