Despite picking up the inaugural MTV Video Music Award for best afrobeats (“Calm Down,” with Rema) and scoring her 13th top 10 hit on Pop Airplay with “Single Soon,” Selena Gomez says she’s taking a step back from social media.
In a message shared to her Instagram Story on Monday evening (Oct. 30), the “Love You Like A Love Song” singer said that she’s logging off for the foreseeable future. “I’ve been taking a break from social media because my heart breaks to see all of the horror, hate, violence, and terror that’s going on in the world. People being tortured and killed or any act of hate towards any one group is horrific,” she wrote. “We need to protect ALL people, especially children, and stop the violence for good.”
Continuing her statement, Gomez added that she didn’t feel that voicing her opinions online would help solve any problems. “I’m sorry if my words will never be enough for everyone or a hashtag. I just can’t stand by innocent people getting hurt. That’s what makes me sick,” she continued. “I wish I could change the world. But a post won’t. Love, Selena.”
In a follow-up Instagram Story posted three hours later, the Rare Beauty mogul uploaded a baby picture of her younger sister with the caption, “Having a sister, everyday has made me tragically sick. I would do anything for children and innocent lives.”
This marks the second time this month that Gomez has offered some clarification regarding her social media activity. On Oct. 3, Gomez — the most followed woman, musician and actor in the history of Instagram — cleared up rumors of animosity between her and Grammy-winner Dua Lipa by explaining that she unfollowed the “Dance the Night” singer purely on accident.
Gomez has had a fairly active autumn. In addition to the continued success of “Calm Down” and “Single Soon,” the multi-hyphenate also enjoyed the debut of the third season of her Emmy-nominated murder mystery comedy Only Murders in the Building, as well as the announcement of a special four-part series titled Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays. The “Naturally” singer is also a finalist in five categories at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards.
Click here to read Selena Gomez’s statement.