Selena Gomez Addresses Body-Shaming and Reveals Health Struggles with Intestinal Disorder
At a recent premiere for her upcoming Netflix film Emilia Perez, Selena Gomez found herself at the center of an online body-shaming controversy, sparking a powerful response from the singer and actress. Gomez took to social media to address criticisms of her appearance and shared details about her struggle with a lesser-known health condition, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), that affects her posture and body image.
While attending the American French Film Festival premiere of Emilia Perez in Los Angeles, Gomez walked the red carpet in a black, long-sleeved Carolina Herrera dress. She posed with her hands across her stomach, an unassuming gesture that quickly became the subject of internet speculation. Fans and onlookers questioned whether she was attempting to cover her body, with some assuming her posture was meant to hide her figure.
In response, Selena Gomez shared a candid comment on TikTok, which has since been deleted. “This makes me sick,” she wrote, addressing the hurtful assumptions. Gomez went on to clarify that she has been managing SIBO, a chronic intestinal condition. “I have SEBO [SIBO] in my small intestine. It flares up. I don’t care that I don’t look like a stick figure. I don’t have that body. End of story. No, I am NOT a victim. I’m just human.”
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, occurs when an excessive number of bacteria, typically not present in the small intestine, begin to accumulate. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition can lead to digestive complications, affecting the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Over time, the effects of SIBO can be severe, causing malnutrition, weight loss, diarrhea, and even osteoporosis. This chronic condition can lead to discomfort, bloating, and visible physical symptoms, making Gomez’s openness about her health all the more impactful.
Gomez has a history of sharing her personal health battles with the public. She was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease, and underwent a kidney transplant in 2017 as part of her ongoing treatment. The star has also undergone chemotherapy for her condition, drawing praise for her openness about her journey and the physical and emotional toll her health challenges have taken.
Despite these struggles, Gomez remains active in her career, taking on new roles and projects. Emilia Perez, her upcoming Spanish-language film with co-star Zoë Saldaña, will premiere on Netflix on November 13. In this musical comedy, Gomez continues to push her artistic boundaries, highlighting her resilience and dedication to her craft.
At the time of publication, Gomez’s representatives have not issued an official comment regarding the incident. Nevertheless, Gomez’s response to the body-shaming incident has struck a chord with fans and followers, reinforcing her stance on body positivity and self-acceptance. Through her transparency, Gomez continues to raise awareness of the complexities of chronic health issues, reminding the world of the importance of empathy and understanding.
