Selena Gomez Takes a Stand Against Internet Mockery After VMAs
Selena Gomez, the renowned singer and actress, made headlines after expressing her discontent with being turned into a meme once again. The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on Tuesday night served as the catalyst for the online mockery, as Gomez's reactions to both Chris Brown's nomination and Olivia Rodrigo's performance were widely shared on social media.
Gomez, who has been vocal about her struggles with social media and its impact on her mental health, took to her Instagram Story to address the situation. In a statement, she declared, "I will never be a meme again. I'd rather sit still than be dragged for being myself. Much Love." Although it remained unclear whether Gomez specifically referred to her response to Brown's nomination, her overall sentiment was clear: she had no intention of being ridiculed on the internet.
During Rodrigo's performance of her hit song "Vampire," which featured a staged malfunction, Gomez's concerned expression was captured on camera, amplifying the viral nature of the moment. The unexpected chaos, with curtains falling and pyrotechnics bursting into action, prompted Gomez to cover her ear and look on with worry.
Later in the evening, when Brown was announced as a nominee in the Best R&B category, Gomez made a stank face, further fueling the social media frenzy. iHeartRadio Australia shared the moment on its Instagram, inviting followers to witness Gomez's reaction firsthand. In response, Gomez commented, "Who cares lol," displaying her nonchalant attitude towards the situation.
However, rumors began to circulate that Gomez was furious about the internet mockery. According to a fan account on X (formerly known as Twitter), a fan who allegedly met Gomez after the VMAs claimed that she was "so mad." Nevertheless, a reliable source stated that Gomez was not angry after the show and was actually looking forward to attending a small afterparty.
Gomez's relationship with social media has been tumultuous, as she famously deleted Instagram in 2021 for the sake of her mental health. In an interview with WWD's Beauty Inc., she explained, "I felt like my thoughts and everything I was consuming revolved around a million different other people in the world saying good things and bad things. And I just thought, 'Why would I-I don't get anything from it. Nothing is giving me life.'"
Despite her reservations, Gomez's team convinced her not to delete her Instagram account entirely. She acknowledged the platform's ability to facilitate connection but stressed the importance of staying true to oneself in the process. Gomez's commitment to maintaining her authenticity and protecting her mental well-being remains steadfast.
As the news unfolded, both Gomez and Brown's representatives were contacted for comments. Their responses could shed further light on the situation and provide insight into how they navigate the complexities of fame and online scrutiny.
