Selena Gomez post Disney: 4 controversial titles from former child star’s career

Selena Gomez has progressed from a child star on Barney & Friends and Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place to renowned actress, singer and entrepreneur.

The media personality garnered an Emmy nomination for Only Murders in the Building, while also picking up two Grammy Awards for her music along the way.

Selena has also found success with the Hotel Transylvania franchise and her beauty brand Rare Beauty. 

With hits songs like Lose You to Love Me and Good for You, she has also topped the Billboard 200 chart with her solo albums.

As a social media sensation, the singer became the first woman to reach 400 million followers on Instagram in 2023.

However, despite her successful career, the 33-year-old has faced endless backlash for the following titles:

Emilia Pérez

Selena Gomez’s film Emilia Pérez has sparked controversy among LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue that its representation of trans characters is based on damaging stereotypes and tropes.

Critics claimed that the film's depiction of trans women as liars and its use of familiar clichés about the trans community are particularly challenging as they can spread negative attitudes and support existing biases.

Some have also expressed concern that the film's representation of Emilia, a trans character played by Karla Sofía Gascón, unfairly generalizes her actions to the entire trans community, while potentially contributing to a recurring narrative around trans representation in media.

This criticism is ingrained in the concern that such portrayals can have real world consequences, influencing public perception and informing policy decisions that affect the lives of trans individuals.

Selena Gomez opened up about the controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez at the Santa Barbara Film Festival earlier this year.

“Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done and I’m just grateful. I live with no regrets, and I would do this movie over and over again if I could,” she said.

Spring Breakers

Selena Gomez starred in the 2012 film Spring Breakers, a crime drama directed by Harmony Korine.

The movie sparked controversy due to its depiction of violence, crime and explicit content particularly in relation to its young female leads including Selena, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Benson.

The Only Murders in the Building actress faced online backlash for her role in the film primarily due to the stark contrast between her previous Disney image and the film’s R-rated content.

During his interview with USA Today, films director Harmony Korine revealed, “A lot of times when the main actresses were uncomfortable during the shoot, I thought it was okay since it mimicked the storyline. Their characters at that point would be that way. Especially Selena’s character.”

A Rainy Day in New York

Selena Gomez faced backlash for starring in Woody Allen’s 2019 film A Rainy Day in New York, due to the director’s history of sexual assault allegations.

In 1992, Woody was accused of sexually abusing his adoptive daughter Dylan Farrow, who was 7-years-old at the time.

The allegations led to a highly publicized custody battle, and while Woody denied the allegations, they have had a lasting impact on his career.

The #MeToo movement reignited discussions around the filmmaker’s past with many calling for accountability and boycotts of his work.

When Selena was announced as a cast member in A Rainy Day in New York, she faced criticism for working with the director, given the controversy surrounding his past.

As per the reports, Selena Gomez stated that she had to confront and discuss Woody’s Allen’s past allegations during the filming of the movie.

Though she did not express regret over her involvement in the project.

13 Reason Why

The Netflix series 13 Reason Why sparked intense controversy over its graphic portrayal of teenage suicide, depression, sexism and rape.

Concerns were also raised about inadequate mental health support in the show and its potential to trigger vulnerable viewers.

13 Reasons Why, based on Jay Asher’s 2007 novel of the same name, was produced by Selena Gomez.

The show follows Hannah Baker, a high school student who dies by suicide leaving behind 13 tapes, which detail the reasons behind her decision, implicating various individuals in her life.

During her appearance on Elvis and Duran and the Morning Show in 2017, the actress and singer talked about the series and the struggles that faced by many young people.

She said, “This is happening every day, whether or not you wanted to see it, that’s what’s happening. The content is complicated. It’s dark and it has moments that are honestly very hard to swallow, and I understood that we were doing something that is difficult.”

The Calm Down singer emphasized the importance of honest and real discussions around sensitive topics, addressing the controversy surrounding 13 Reason Why.

Moreover, she shared her belief that the show’s portrayal of tough issues like mental health and suicide can spark necessary conversations and potentially lead to positive change.