Selena Gomez, known for her candidness and connection with fans, offered a raw glimpse into her emotions in a now-deleted video. Following the announcement of the 2025 Oscar nominations, where she was notably absent despite significant buzz for her performance in Emilia Pérez, Gomez addressed a deeply personal issue, leaving fans and critics alike in conversation.
A Night of Highs and Lows: Oscar Buzz and Snub
The Academy’s 2025 nominations were unveiled last week, and while Selena Gomez didn’t secure an individual nod, her Spanish-language film Emilia Pérez shone brightly with 13 nominations. This marked a major milestone for the film but a bittersweet moment for Gomez. Fans had hoped her role in the critically acclaimed movie would land her a Best Actress nomination.
Even with the absence of personal recognition, Gomez remained a focal point of discussion due to her involvement in the highly-nominated film. Her fans flooded social media with mixed emotions, celebrating the movie’s success while lamenting her Oscar snub.
The Emotional Video: Crying and a Plea for Empathy
On Monday, January 27, Gomez posted an emotional video to her followers, only to delete it shortly after. In the clip, she appeared teary-eyed, speaking directly to her audience while holding a Mexican flag emoji as a symbol of solidarity.
“I just wanted to say that I’m so sorry,” she said, referring to the deportations carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Her words reflected frustration and helplessness: “All my people are getting attacked, the children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry. I wish I could do something, but I can’t. I don’t know what to do.”
Fans quickly shared snippets of the video online, amplifying her heartfelt apology. Gomez’s remarks highlighted her empathy for those affected by immigration policies, particularly following recent actions under Donald Trump’s administration.
Immigration Policies and ICE Operations Fuel Outcry
On January 26, just a day before Gomez’s video, ICE announced a significant operation that led to 956 arrests and 554 detainers in a single day. These developments came on the heels of Trump’s inauguration, where he reiterated a hardline stance on immigration and pledged to increase deportations of undocumented immigrants.
For many, Gomez’s video was a powerful moment of solidarity. She expressed concern for families facing separation and children caught in the crossfire of political policies. Her statement, “I’ll try everything, I promise,” resonated deeply with communities impacted by these events.
Her vulnerability, however, also sparked polarized reactions. While many praised her courage, others criticized her for what they perceived as overstepping or politicizing the issue.
The Backlash and Selena’s Response
As the clip circulated, Gomez ended the video with a poignant line: “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people.” This comment seemed to address the criticism she anticipated—or perhaps had already received—for speaking out on such a contentious issue.
The deleted video also reignited discussions about the role of celebrities in activism. Some argued that stars like Gomez have a platform that can bring attention to pressing issues, while others questioned the effectiveness of such public displays. Regardless of the debate, Gomez’s message added a personal layer to a nationwide conversation.
The Road Ahead for Selena Gomez
Despite the Oscars snub, Gomez’s role in Emilia Pérez and her broader impact remain significant. Her performance in the film has been lauded by critics, and the movie’s 13 nominations position it as a favorite in multiple categories. Gomez’s fans have rallied behind her, emphasizing her contributions to the project and her ability to tackle meaningful roles outside her comfort zone.
For now, Selena Gomez remains an artist unafraid to show her human side, whether through her roles, her music, or her activism. Her brief yet heartfelt video may have been taken down, but its impact continues to ripple across social media and public discourse.
