Selena Gomez loses 750,000 followers after emotional social media post

Selena Gomez is facing online criticism after sharing an emotional video where she tearfully reacted to Donald Trump’s recent immigration raids in the U.S. The Only Murders in the Building star lost over 750,000 Instagram followers following the backlash.

On January 27, Gomez, 32, posted a now-deleted Instagram video where she tearfully expressed heartbreak over the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. These nationwide operations, which took place in multiple cities—including Chicago, Newark, and Miami—resulted in the arrest of about 1,000 undocumented immigrants, making it the largest immigration crackdown since Trump returned to the White House.

In the video, Gomez was seen weeping as she addressed her 422 million followers. “I’m so sorry. All my people are getting attacked,” she said. “The children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry. I wish I could do something, but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.”

The post quickly went viral, racking up millions of views. However, reactions were sharply divided.

Fans praise her empathy

Many supporters praised Gomez for using her platform to highlight the issue. Some referenced her work as an executive producer on Living Undocumented, a 2019 Netflix documentary that followed the lives of immigrant families in the U.S.

One fan tweeted, “Selena’s tears speak volumes. Her empathy for the children and families affected is heartbreaking yet inspiring. We need more voices like hers to bring attention to such injustices. Proud of her for standing with her people.”

Another added, “Selena’s story is heartbreaking, and it really shows how deeply she cares. Seeing her express that kind of raw emotion over the deportations and the suffering of children is powerful. It’s clear she feels a strong sense of empathy and a desire to help. Hopefully, her platform can inspire others to take action or at least raise awareness about these injustices.”

A third supporter defended her, writing, “People are laughing at her but I get her. Selena came from immigrant parents and she was given an opportunity while she’s crying because there are Mexican kids that are getting deported and their future is getting destroyed. She has the right to cry.”

Selena Gomez shares new Instagram story crying amid the deportation of Mexicans:

“I’m so sorry. All my people are getting attacked. The children, I don’t understand. I wish I could do something.” pic.twitter.com/9H7ojMhpCN

— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 27, 2025

Critics call her out

However, not everyone supported her reaction. Some social media users criticized the video, suggesting that crying alone wouldn’t help the situation.

“There are many other ways to help, I don’t think recording yourself crying on a video will help that much,” one person wrote. “Go out and try to meet with them, fight to make them hear your voice, use your influence in a better way. Crying doesn’t solve anything.”

Another questioned whether Gomez was doing enough: “She says ‘I wish I could do something.’ She’s worth $1.6 billion. She could do something IF she really wanted to.”

Others suggested that if she truly cared, she should take direct action. “She’s got multiple properties. She can rehome some illegal immigrants into any/all of them. Much more useful than crying like an idiot,” one critic commented. “Come on [Selena] don’t be a hypocrite. Open your homes to some illegal immigrants.”

A few even questioned the sincerity of her emotions. “For an actress, she’s terrible at crying and convincing me. She needs to be more dramatic,” one user mocked.

White House and political responses

The backlash escalated further when the White House responded by sharing a tweet featuring mothers whose children were allegedly killed by undocumented immigrants.

“Kayla Hamilton, Jocelyn Nungaray, and Rachel Morin were murdered by illegal aliens. [These] courageous mothers had something to say to [Selena Gomez] and those who oppose securing our borders,” the post read.

Gomez’s video also caught the attention of Republican Utah politician Sam Parker, who suggested that she should be deported as well due to her grandparents’ immigration history.

Billboard reported his comments: “Gomez’s video became a political lightning rod in the days after it was originally posted on Monday, with Republican Utah politician Sam Parker suggesting she should be deported as well because her grandparents originally entered the country illegally.”

Gomez responded directly on Instagram, writing, “Thanks for the laugh and the threat.”

Mass follower drop

Following the controversy, Gomez reportedly lost more than 751,000 Instagram followers, according to Social Blade, a site that tracks social media statistics. Despite this drop, she remains one of the most-followed celebrities on the platform.

Shortly after deleting the emotional video, she posted an Instagram story that read, “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people.” That post was also later removed.

Should celebrities do more?

Gomez’s situation sparks a wider debate on celebrity activism. While some believe stars should use their platforms to raise awareness, others argue that social media posts are not enough—real action is needed.

What do you think? Should celebrities like Selena Gomez do more beyond raising awareness, or is speaking out enough? Let us know your thoughts and share this story to keep the conversation going!