Selena Gomez, the renowned American singer and actress, recently found herself at the centre of a heated debate.
This followed her emotional response to President Donald Trump‘s mass deportation orders.
SELENA GOMEZ GETS EMOTIONAL OVER MASS DEPORTATION
On 27 January 2025, Gomez shared a tearful video on her Instagram Stories. She expressed her distress over the situation.
“I’m so sorry, I wish I could do something, but I can’t,” she lamented. “I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.”
The video, which was later deleted, drew significant attention.
SELENA GOMEZ VS SAM PARKER
Sam Parker, a Republican politician from Utah, responded to the video.
He suggested that Gomez, whose paternal grandparents emigrated from Mexico, should be deported herself, according to Billboard.
He accused her of prioritising undocumented immigrants over Americans due to her heritage.
In a now-deleted Instagram Story, Gomez retorted, “Oh Mr. Parker, Mr. Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat.”
ROLE OF CELEBS IN POLITICAL DISCOURSE
This exchange highlights the deep divisions in the United States over immigration policies.
Gomez’s emotional display and subsequent interactions have sparked discussions about the role of celebrities in political discourse and the personal nature of immigration issues.
Gomez has been an outspoken advocate for immigrant rights, according to People.
In 2019, she executive produced the Netflix docu-series Living Undocumented. The series followed eight families facing potential deportation.
IMMIGRATION POLICIES
Reflecting on her family’s history, she wrote in Time magazine, “Undocumented immigration is an issue I think about every day.
I never forget how blessed I am to have been born in this country thanks to my family and the grace of circumstance.”
The recent deportation orders have led to the arrest of nearly 1,200 individuals, with only 52% having a criminal record, according to The Independent.
This has intensified debates about the ethics and effectiveness of such policies.
SELENA GOMEZ ON USING HER PLATFORM
In South Africa immigration and xenophobia are also pressing issues.
Gomez’s actions resonate with ongoing discussions about empathy, national identity, and the treatment of immigrants.
Her willingness to use her platform to highlight these concerns underscores the global nature of the immigration debate.
Gomez’s supporters have lauded her for shedding light on the human side of immigration policies. One fan commented, “Selena is using her voice for those who can’t. Respect.”
EMPATHY IN PUBLIC DISCOURSE
However, critics argue that celebrities should refrain from engaging in political matters, suggesting that their involvement can polarise public opinion.
This incident serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility that public figures hold.
Gomez’s emotional plea and the subsequent reactions highlight the complexities of immigration issues and the importance of empathy in public discourse.
As the world watches, the conversation sparked by Gomez’s video continues to evolve, reflecting broader societal debates about immigration, identity, and the role of public figures in advocacy.
DOES SELENA GOMEZ DESERVE BACKLASH FOR HER EMOTIONAL VIDEO?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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