Pop star and actress Selena Gomez has found herself at the center of controversy after a single social media post resulted in a massive drop in Instagram followers, with reports suggesting she lost over 700,000 followers following the incident.
The unexpected backlash comes after Gomez shared and later deleted an emotional video addressing the impact of a newly implemented U.S. immigration policy. Despite her intention to express empathy and concern, the post sparked heated reactions, leading to a significant decline in her social media following.
A Sharp Decline in Followers: Social Media Analytics Report
According to social media analytics firm CritiqueJeu, which tracks celebrity influence and engagement, Gomez experienced a dramatic dip in her Instagram numbers in the past month. Reports indicate that within 30 days, her follower count dropped by approximately 808,500.
The platform’s co-founder and editor, Paul Lenglet, commented on the situation, stating:
“Selena Gomez had an incredible run at the end of 2024, but the start of 2025 has proven to be more challenging for her.”
The Video That Sparked Controversy
The backlash stems from a now-deleted video that Gomez posted online, in which she appeared visibly distressed while reacting to the implications of a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump.
In the emotional clip, Gomez expressed deep sorrow over the potential consequences of the immigration crackdown, which has been projected to lead to the deportation of millions of undocumented individuals.
Tearfully addressing her followers, she said:
“I’m so sorry. All my people are being attacked. The children— I don’t understand. I wish I could do something, but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.”
The video was up for only a short period before Gomez chose to remove it from her page. However, despite its deletion, screenshots and clips circulated widely online, fueling heated discussions.
Following the removal of the post, Gomez shared a cryptic message, writing:
“Apparently, it’s not OK to show empathy for people.”
A Growing Political Storm: Immigration Policies Under Trump’s Administration
Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has revamped his immigration policies, pushing forward new executive orders designed to restrict illegal immigration and ramp up deportations.
One of the key figures enforcing these policies is Tom Homan, the former head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who has now been appointed as the administration’s “border czar.”
Homan recently detailed the government’s approach to immigration enforcement, emphasizing the role of the military in securing the border. He explained:
“We’re sending a strong signal to the world—our borders are closed.”
He further stated:
“If you’re in the country illegally, you’re subject to deportation. Violating U.S. immigration laws has consequences.”
The administration’s new deportation program, which has been branded as the “largest in U.S. history,” estimates that as many as 20 million undocumented immigrants could be removed from the country.
Although officials have reassured the public that priority for deportation will be given to those with criminal records, the policy also includes “collateral arrests,” meaning that any undocumented individuals found near those being targeted could also be detained.
Selena Gomez Under Fire: The Fallout from the Video and Her Film Career
In addition to the political storm surrounding her deleted video, Gomez has been facing backlash from multiple directions.
An insider from The Daily Mail revealed that Gomez deleted her post due to concerns about how it would affect her public image and business ventures.
According to the source:
“She was worried that the video might make her look weak or alienate Republican fans of Rare Beauty.”
The source also mentioned that while Gomez is passionate about social justice issues, she has found herself in a difficult position, adding:
“She feels like she can never win. Every time she speaks out, she faces criticism from one side or another.”
Following the ordeal, Gomez has reportedly decided to step back from making political statements, opting instead to focus on her career and personal life.
“She is going to stay out of politics and in her own lane after all this drama,” the insider concluded.
Backlash Over Her Film Emilia Pérez
CritiqueJeu’s Paul Lenglet also pointed out that Gomez’s recent film project has contributed to the growing controversy surrounding her.
The actress stars in Emilia Pérez, a film that follows the story of a Mexican lawyer who is hired to help a cartel boss retire and transition into living as a woman.
Although the film was expected to be a bold and compelling narrative, it has received mixed reactions, particularly from Mexican audiences. Some viewers have criticized its portrayal of cartel violence, while others feel that it misrepresents certain cultural aspects.
“The backlash over her film, combined with the immigration controversy, has alienated different segments of her audience,” Lenglet explained. “Gomez has always been vocal about social issues, but speaking out comes with consequences—especially when it affects fan perception and potential customers of Rare Beauty.”