Selena Gomez was criticized online for posting a video of her “crying like an idiot” over Donald Trump’s mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.
Selena Gomez lost over 750,000 Instagram followers in a month after posting an emotional video about Donald Trump’s ICE crackdowns on undocumented immigration.
The BBC said that 1,000 aliens were arrested nationally on January 26, the most since Trump took office.
“Several federal agencies with newly expanded detention powers were involved in the raids in Chicago, Newark, and Miami,” the journal said.
The former Disney star, whose grandparents immigrated to Texas from Monterrey, Mexico, publicly protested the immigration crackdown, crying in a deleted Instagram video.
I’m sorry. Gomez, 32, warned her 422 million followers on January 27 that all her people are being assaulted. The kids. Don’t understand. So sorry. I want to help but can’t. What should I do? I pledge to try everything.”
The post went viral, getting millions of views in hours. Not everyone agreed.
‘Proud of her’
The actor, who executive produced Living Undocumented, a 2019 documentary about 11 undocumented immigrant families in the U.S., was praised by fans.
Selena’s tears tell volumes. She has heartbreaking yet inspirational empathy for the impacted children and families. We need more voices like her to highlight injustices. One viewer of her touching clip tweets, “Proud of her for standing with her people.”
Another writes, “Selena’s story is heartbreaking, and it really shows how deeply she cares.” “Seeing her express raw emotion over deportations and child suffering is powerful. She clearly cares and wants to help. The user tweets that she hopes her platform will motivate others to act or raise awareness of these injustices.
A third says, “People are laughing at her but I get her, Selena came from immigrant parents and she was given an opportunity while she’s crying because Mexican kids are getting deported and their future is being destroyed she has the right to cry.”
‘Open your homes’
Some were unhappy and said “crying doesn’t solve anything.”
I don’t think videoing yourself crying will help much. There are alternative ways. Go meet them, battle to be heard, utilize your influence better—crying doesn’t work, says one user.
Another comments, “She says ‘I wish I could do something.’” Valued at $1.6 billion. She could accomplish something if she wanted.”
Selena Gomez shares new Instagram story crying amid the deportation of Mexicans:
“I’m so sorry. All my people are getting attacked. The children, I don’t understand. I wish I could do something.” pic.twitter.com/9H7ojMhpCN
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 27, 2025
She has several properties. She can rehome illegal immigrants in any of them. More beneficial than crying like an idiot,” another user rages in the comments of her tweet with her clip. Selena, don’t be hypocritical. Accept illegal immigrants into your homes.”
A fourth netizen says she’s a bad actress at crying and convincing me. She should be more theatrical, user said.
White House reacts
In response to the tape, the White House tweeted about mothers whose children were killed by “illegal aliens.”
Illegal aliens killed Kayla Hamilton, Jocelyn Nungaray, and Rachel Morin. “These courageous mothers spoke to Selena Gomez and those who oppose border security,” the post adds.
Billboard reported that Republican Utah legislator Sam Parker suggested Gomez should be deported since her grandparents entered the country illegally.
“Thanks for the laugh and the threat,” Gomez wrote on Instagram.
Massive follower departure
According to social media tracking site Social Blade, the Only Murders in the Building actor lost over 751,000 followers after releasing her sorrowful film.
Gomez remains one of the most followed celebs online despite her downturn.
After deleting the tearful clip, the singer wrote on Instagram, “apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people.” That post was erased too.
How do you feel about celebrities raising awareness? Should they do more? Share your opinions and this story to start the conversation!