Selena Gomez, the globally recognized music star, reflects on her tumultuous journey to fame, sharing the challenges she faced as a young artist in the scrutinizing spotlight.
In an interview with Business of Fashion, Gomez discusses the difficulties she encountered as photographers relentlessly pursued her during her formative years in the Disney Channel studios.
In a society saturated with media, particularly one with pervasive s----t undertones like the United States, Gomez's story stands out as a compelling case study.
Rising to stardom as a teenager on Disney Channel, she grappled with the objectification of her physical appearance from a young age, diverting her focus away from her artistic endeavors. Gomez recalls, "I started to be known for things that were not related to my work. That's when my passion really started to drift further and further away. And that scared me."
The violation she felt became palpable, especially when she was just 15 or 16 years old and photographers invaded her privacy even on the beach. The intense scrutiny from the media, fueled by her growing fame from Disney's "The Wizards of Waverly Place," left Gomez feeling uncomfortable and misunderstood. She expresses her discomfort, stating, "I don't think anyone really knew who it was, but I felt very violated, and I didn't like it or understand it. I felt like it was very strange because I was a young girl, and they were grown men."
Gomez reveals that her turning point came at 18 when she started recognizing that people were interested in aspects of her life beyond her artistic contributions. Exploring new paths and experiencing the complexities of love, particularly with Justin Bieber, added to the challenges she faced during the fourth and final season of her Disney series. Gomez admits, "I was in the fourth season of the show, and I felt like I was getting too old for it. I wanted something different, and obviously, I fell in love for the first time. There was a lot going on, and I didn't know what to do."
Following the conclusion of her Disney series, Gomez took breaks from her career, citing the need for mental rest and, in 2016, due to a lupus diagnosis. Now, as she makes a powerful comeback with chart-topping summer hits and an upcoming Woody Allen movie, Gomez emphasizes her priority: "As long as I'm healthy and happy, I'm up for anything." Her resilience and commitment to personal well-being underscore a journey of self-discovery and empowerment in the face of fame's challenges.
