Selena Gomez is on a journey to master the art of handling comments about her body. The "Only Murders in the Building" star has candidly shared that she's endured profound pain over the years due to people's criticisms of her weight. “I've grappled with numerous weight-related issues throughout my life,” Selena revealed in an interview with Allure published on September 9, “and it's a topic that deeply resonates with me.”
But the 33-year-old actress—diagnosed with the autoimmune disease lupus in 2013, a condition that can bring about widespread pain and inflammation—has been actively processing her intense emotional responses to such negativity through dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). She likened the process to “peeling away layers” of her experiences and behaviors, enabling her to gain a clearer understanding of her own emotions.
Recalling a dialogue with her DBT therapist, Selena recounted, “I was stung by someone's remark that I was fat. Why did that emotion surface?” The “Hands to Myself” songstress explained that these discussions eventually lead her to a deeper realization, such as, “Oh, now I get it. That stems from that period when I was going through medical challenges and had put on weight.” She further emphasized, “You truly have to be open to doing the work, and that's where things can get a bit tricky.”
Selena's transformation extends beyond her mindset about her condition. The founder of Rare Beauty is currently in remission from lupus, though she underwent a kidney transplant in 2017. Nevertheless, this doesn't entirely shield her from experiencing painful flare-ups. As she shared, “I face a lot of dexterity issues myself, and it can be quite frustrating.” “Even opening a can can be painful,” she continued, “I know exactly how that feels.”
Yet, whether it's her health, career, or personal life, Selena—who announced her engagement to Benny Blanco in December after a year of dating—is resolute in her commitment to continually strive for excellence. “I aspire to keep evolving and improving in every facet of my life,” the former Disney Channel star expressed. “And I want to embrace every experience, so it's crucial for me to stay mindful.” She added, “I'm thrilled that when an emotion arises, I can recognize it, engage with it, and then let it go.”
