Selena Gomez, the renowned pop sensation, has recently taken to social media to address the flurry of memes that emerged from her animated reactions at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. The "Single Soon" singer expressed her disapproval of the memes, emphasizing her desire to remain authentic and true to herself.
During the early hours of September 13, Gomez took to her Instagram Story to address the situation. She posted a statement over a black backdrop, stating, "I will never be a meme again. I’d rather sit still than be dragged for being myself. Much Love." This response came after various clips and images from the awards show depicted her with a range of reactions, from looking visibly disgusted at the mention of Chris Brown's name to appearing concerned by Olivia Rodrigo's on-stage performance.
One particular moment that caught the attention of netizens was when Gomez displayed a look of distaste upon hearing Chris Brown's nomination for his feature on Chlöe Bailey's song "How Does It Feel." This reaction was interpreted by many as a sign of her disapproval, especially given Brown's controversial past involving Rihanna in 2009.
However, not all reactions to Gomez's expressions were negative. Many fans took to Twitter, recently renamed X, to voice their support for the singer. One user commented, "This doesn’t make sense she was THE moment tonight nobody’s clowning on her????" Another fan expressed concern, asking, "oh gosh who is bullying her now???" and urging others to let her be herself. A third supporter pointed out that Gomez was merely enjoying the evening, receiving an award, and dancing to the performances. They emphasized that her natural reactions shouldn't be turned into memes for the sake of hate.
Yet, the world of celebrity is not without its critics. Some argued that Gomez should take the memes in stride and see them as jokes, while others accused her of always playing the victim.
The VMAs have always been a platform where celebrities' reactions are closely watched and often become the subject of internet memes and discussions. However, Gomez's recent response underscores the challenges celebrities face in the age of social media, where every gesture and expression can be magnified, interpreted, and sometimes misinterpreted by millions.
In the end, while memes and online discussions are part and parcel of today's digital age, it's essential to remember the real people behind these images and respect their feelings and perspectives.