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
\u201cSelena Gomez goes live on TikTok to address comments about her body. She talks about her health, medication for lupus and how they affect her body.\u201d— Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac (@Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac) 1676560118
Many took to Twitter to share their support for Gomez.
Some who have gone through similar experiences sympathized with her.
\u201c@OfficialSGnews I also have lupus & RA. My meds fluff me up a few pounds..I am 5\u2019.. you are beautiful and don\u2019t ever believe otherwise \ud83d\udc9c\ud83d\udc9c\u201d— Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac (@Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac) 1676560118
\u201c@OfficialSGnews I get it! Lupus patient here who goes through the same fluctuations. Keep fighting, you are doing amazing! You are also beautiful, inside and out.\u201d— Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac (@Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac) 1676560118
\u201c@OfficialSGnews Selana I also suffer from Lupus as well as RA , Asthma&Immune. I dont gain but you look healthy weight not over. You look great, there are so many symptoms this is minor&u dont need to explain. If they r true fans they need to love u!\u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffb\u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\ude0e\ud83e\udd17frmFL\u201d— Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac (@Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac) 1676560118
\u201c@OfficialSGnews Understand the pain of a patient who suffering from Lupus, I lot my life\u2764\ufe0f recently \ud83d\ude2d\u201d— Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac (@Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac) 1676560118
\u201c@OfficialSGnews To my lupie sister - you are so inspirational and I look up to you. Your positive attitude is infectious. I am rocking a moon face now and am proud! If someone wants to judge, I take it as an opportunity to educate on lupus which is exactly what you did. Proud of you!!!\u201d— Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac (@Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac) 1676560118
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.
\u201c@OfficialSGnews Yes we love you back too and yes look after your self and stay health so we can hear more of your beautiful songs\u201d— Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac (@Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac) 1676560118
\u201c@OfficialSGnews Well, it's better have days where you feel like poo than to have no days at all.\u201d— Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac (@Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac) 1676560118
\u201c@OfficialSGnews Thanks for saying that, because it is annoying the judgements when they don't know, it is just too easy for others to assume something they don't comprehend.I used to not share when I was in pain, learning there is nothing wrong about say it loud and not hiding it from the world\u201d— Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac (@Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac) 1676560118
\u201c@OfficialSGnews Don\u2019t let the naysayers get you down. You are a beautiful & special person. Thanks for being a role model for other women suffering from a standard that isn\u2019t logical!\ud83d\udc99\u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\udc99\ud83d\ude0d\u201d— Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac (@Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac) 1676560118
\u201c@OfficialSGnews She really is a remarkable young woman.\u201d— Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac (@Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac) 1676560118
\u201c@OfficialSGnews Proud of you for taking care of yourself. Take your medicine, be healthy, live your best life. That\u2019s what a role model does. Good job!\u201d— Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac (@Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac) 1676560118
\u201c@OfficialSGnews When I saw the red carpet pic, my 1st thought was you looked so stunning, weight fluctuation or not. Those curves suit you. I have the same experience from my movement disorder #dystonia Keep prioritizing your health for you #SelenaGomez #chronicillness\u201d— Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac (@Selena Gomez News \ud83c\udfac) 1676560118
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+.