Selena Gomez is once again the centre of controversy, and this time, it's not about her music or love life. On May 31, 2025, just before meeting her longtime friend Taylor Swift in New York City, Gomez was allegedly spotted with a vape in hand. The photos quickly went viral, igniting a firestorm of criticism online.
For those unfamiliar, Gomez underwent a kidney transplant in 2017, with the kidney donated by her close friend, actress Francia Raisa, due to complications from lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can lead to kidney failure. Post-transplant, Gomez has been open about her health struggles, including her battle with lupus and the challenges of maintaining her health.
The recent vaping incident has led to a wave of backlash. One social media user expressed their disapproval, stating, “Francia needs to take that damn kidney back.” Another added, “It should be forbidden to put Selena on the transplant list, since as soon as she passes the post-operative phase the first thing she does is drink and take drugs, this is disrespectful to the donor and those waiting in line.”
However, not everyone shares the same sentiment. Some fans have come to Gomez's defence, pointing out that she has been open about her past smoking habits and has made efforts to switch to vaping as a less harmful alternative. One supporter remarked, “Selena used to smoke cigarettes before transplant it’s not news. She was seen doing it many times she literally switched to vaping bc it’s supposedly less harmful than the cigarettes she used to smoke. So she actually did take some steps in quitting.”
Gomez's history with smoking dates back to 2012 when she reportedly started smoking for a film role. Despite her health challenges, she has been candid about her struggles and efforts to improve her lifestyle. In 2016, she was photographed vaping outside a rehab facility, and in 2018, she was seen with a vape in Rome. These instances have resurfaced in the current debate, with some questioning her commitment to her health.
In addition to lupus, Gomez revealed in 2024 that she is dealing with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a condition that affects the digestive system. SIBO can lead to symptoms like malnutrition and unintentional weight loss, further complicating her health journey.
As the debate over her vaping continues, one thing is clear: Selena Gomez's health choices remain a topic of intense public scrutiny. Whether it's her battle with lupus, her kidney transplant, or her smoking habits, Gomez's every move is under the microscope. In a world where celebrities' personal lives are often dissected, Gomez's situation serves as a reminder of the complexities of health, habits, and public perception.