Why Selena Gomez Was Crying in Now-Deleted Video

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Selena Gomez has deleted a video that she previously posted on Instagram in which she cried on behalf of people being deported by the new Trump administration.

The Only Murders in the Building actress, 32, posted an Instagram story on Monday, January 27, in which she expressed her distress. “I’m so sorry. All my people are getting attacked,” she said to her followers. “The children, I don’t understand. I wish I could do something.” Gomez is half-Mexican on her father’s side, and previously produced a documentary called Living Undocumented, which spotlights the lives of undocumented immigrants in America.

Shortly after posting the video, however, the “Single Soon” singer deleted it from Instagram. Instead, she posted a new Story on the app, a text-only post that said “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people.”

Gomez’s comment indicates that she saw the backlash against her previous video, as the responses from fans and followers was mixed on social media. Some of her fans praised her speaking out about this issue, like one Xuser who wrote, “This isn’t about politics, it’s about human lives. Thanks for using your voice, Selena,” others found the video performative.

“I hate when people record themselves crying it seems so disingenuous,” wrote another X user. Others took issue with Gomez’s message, saying that they supported the deportation efforts. “Want to do something? Use your influence to tell people in other countries to come here legally!” wrote one such user.

Response to her second Instagram story was similarly divided. One user wrote, “Selena’s words hit hard. Showing empathy should never be criticized—it’s the foundation of humanity. Proud of her for standing strong and speaking from the heart,” but another wrote, “Those kids wouldn’t be deported if they came over legally. I’m not sure why she’s crying, actions have consequences right?”