Taylor Lautner has stepped forward to champion Selena Gomez amidst the relentless onslaught of body-shaming she faces on social media platforms. On Wednesday, the former 'Twilight' heartthrob took to his Instagram Story to amplify a post by influencer Alex Light, which spotlighted the contradicting critiques aimed at Gomez's physique during her red carpet appearances at the 2024 and 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards.
"Last year at the SAG Awards, Selena faced ridicule for gaining weight, with suggestions to use Ozempic," Light penned in her post. "Fast forward to this year's ceremony, and she's lambasted for shedding pounds, mocked once again with rumors of Ozempic usage. This issue transcends Selena; it underscores the insurmountable standards imposed on all women, whether in the limelight or not. Regardless of our actions, someone out there will have an opinion. Hence, let's recall: our bodies belong solely to us, not for public scrutiny."
Echoing these sentiments, Lautner, who has previously opened his heart about battling mental health struggles due to public commentary on his body post-'Twilight', added his voice to the conversation. "It's a harsh, hate-filled world out there," he lamented.
"We can never please everyone, nor should we strive to. From my own experience, acknowledging this doesn't diminish the sting of those words; it merely redirects our focus onto what truly matters. And let it be known, that essence has nothing to do with the shape, hue, or appearance of one's body," the actor continued thoughtfully. "A daily reminder for us all: never forget your inherent beauty, both inside and out. ...And let's strive to be just a little kinder."
Since her breakthrough role in Disney Channel's 'Wizards of Waverly Place' as a teenager, Gomez, who bravely disclosed her lupus diagnosis in 2015 and underwent a kidney transplant in 2017, has consistently shut down her body shamers. The 'Only Murders in the Building' star has also been candid about experiencing "weight fluctuations" due to her lupus, medication, and other health-related factors following her diagnosis.
