Selena Gomez graced the cover of Interview Magazine’s Spring 2020 cover, and the photoshoot raised some eyebrows.
The former Disney actress donned laid baby hairs, braids, and darker skin, raising the question: Is Selena Gomez blackfishing?
Blackfishing is when women of lighter complexions—more often than not, white women—try to appear Black. Bhad Bhabie was recently accused of this, and the Kardashian-Jenner clan are common offenders.
“Y’all better give selena Gomez the same energy y’all did with bhad bhabie blackfishing…” Twitter user @jeanaynotaiko wrote, with others similarly drawing Bhad Bhabie comparisons.
As the social media storm ensued, Gomez’s fans quickly came to her rescue. They reminded the public that Gomez has Mexican roots, which usually leads to a naturally tan complexion.
“THE GIRL HAS ALWAYS claimed being hispanic. SHE always said in the past how her grandparents from HER DAD’S SIDE ARE FROM MONTERREY, MEXICO. She has sung in Spanish since 2010. HER SKIN ISN’T EVEN CLOSE TO BLACK,” one fan wrote.
Others defended Gomez by bringing Ariana Grande into the mix.
“No one bats an eye over Ariana’s fake tan, but when this girl shows a tan (which she can, she has Latina roots) everyone comes for her,” they wrote.
One stan account even went as far as to make a thread defending the singer, complete with photos of her dad’s side of the family and photos of her with a natural tan.
Nevertheless, the debate persists.
Gomez has yet to comment on the controversy.
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