Selena Gomez, an award-winning singer and actress, has spoken out about the obstacles women face in the entertainment industry, notably in terms of beauty, identity, and relationships.
In a recent appearance on the Jay Shetty Podcast, Gomez discussed her own challenges with online scrutiny and the relentless abuse she faces.
Gomez highlighted the unequal pressure women experience, saying that they feel more strongly about their appearance and clothing choices.
“Women have it much worse in the industry. I think from my perspective it’s pretty wild. It’s not news to anyone that women have more intense feelings, about their appearance to what they’re wearing. For me when I get prepared for an event, I just hope that I can take the picture and sit down,” she said.
She admitted that, despite knowing how harmful online comments can be, she still reads them.
Speaking about the criticism she receives for her weight, the singer-actress said it saddens her.
Gomez said she felt bad about expressing her feelings, but she underlined that she is not a victim.
She said: “The character gets judged; it’s the way I’m not white enough, I’m not Mexican enough, and I don’t know there are so many things that come up in my face that I can’t help but see. I fall victim to looking, and really, if doesn’t add to your life. It’s just so difficult from the choices of the people you date yet nobody cares when it comes to men. It’s like, yeah, ‘they did that; they said that or this.’
“I just think that we carry a lot, and yeah my weight is a big one too. Everyone just has something to see and it’s making me sad, no I’m not a victim,everyone, but it’s making me a tad bitter. I feel guilty for saying that but it’s true”.
To cope with the stress, Gomez explained that she takes social media breaks and prioritises self-care.
Gomez acknowledged the influence of social media but underlined the need to maintain equilibrium and disregard critical remarks.
“I’m just happy that I take breaks completely at times, but I’m human and sometimes I read things. But most of the time I ignore these things. There are way to combat it. It’s not like I hate social media ,I understand the power that it has. So it’s tricky”, she added.