Selena Gomez breaks silence after fans misread Taylor Swift Knicks game comment
The singer explained her 'lol' reaction and denied that it was aimed at her longtime friend
Selena Gomez has addressed speculation that she was taking a dig at her longtime friend Taylor Swift after commenting on a post showing Swift celebrating the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals victory.
The Calm Down singer, 33, found herself at the center of online chatter after she left a “lol” comment under an Instagram post shared by MTV featuring Swift and actress Mariska Hargitay cheering after the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
After fans interpreted the comment as a possible reaction to Swift’s appearance at the game, Gomez took to her Instagram Stories to explain the meaning behind it and shut down the rumors.
“Woke up and was sent so many texts,” Gomez wrote. “I would never insult my friends nor was it an insult. The comment was a reaction to the first slide on the page.”
Gomez clarified that her comment was connected to the photo of Swift and Hargitay reacting during the game, rather than a criticism of either of them.
The actress also explained that she had been joking about the basketball matchup with friends, revealing she had made a bet on the game and lost.
“Second I bet my friends on the game. The friends in the text chain I posted. I lost but was poking at my opponents, my friends,” she said.
“Believe it or not I do have other friends in my life,” Gomez added, before concluding, “Also… it's a basketball game.”
The clarification came after Gomez congratulated the Knicks following their dramatic 107-106 win over the Spurs, which saw New York complete a historic 29-point comeback in the NBA Finals.
“Mad respect for the game!! Congrats to the peeps that represent! What a come back,” Gomez wrote in a previous Instagram Story. She later joked about some people suddenly supporting the team, adding: “So funny how some are all the sudden fans though lol.”
Despite the online speculation, Gomez and Swift have remained close friends for nearly two decades.
The pair first bonded in 2008 after both were connected to the Jonas Brothers and have frequently supported each other’s personal and professional milestones.
Swift was also among the close friends who celebrated Gomez’s wedding to music producer Benny Blanco in 2025, with the “Opalite” singer previously praising Gomez as a “vision” on her special day.