Through the years, Selena Gomez has had a love/hate relationship with social media. The “Single Soon” singer has amassed a staggering number of followers—with more than 429 million on Instagram alone—and at one point, had the most-liked photo on Instagram. Still, the Only Murders in the Building star is comfortable with unplugging from time to time—and recently, she announced she would be “off social media for a while.”
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Since she rose to fame as Alex Russo on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place, Selena’s star has continued to rise. From acting, to voiceover work in the Hotel Transylvania franchise, releasing three studio albums, launching her own production company, and more, Selena isn’t slowing down. So what prompted her to take her most recent social media hiatus? Let’s take a closer look.
Selena announced a social media break on January 9, 2024.
On January 9, Selena took to her Instagram Story to give her followers a heads-up. “I’m off social media for a while," she wrote in text overlay on a video of her boyfriend, Benny Blanco, playing with two young children. “I’m focusing on what really matters.”
Why is Selena taking a social media hiatus?
The “Come & Get It” singer didn’t share a reason for stepping back from social media or how long she plans to be away. However, fans have a solid theory in light of recent news headlines. And it all goes back to the 2024 Golden Globes.
The announcement comes on the heels of reported drama with Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner.
On Sunday, January 7, Selena attended the 81st Golden Globe Awards, where a conversation between her, Taylor Swift and Taylor’s plus-one, Keleigh Sperry, sparked rumors. The women were chatting when Taylor reacted to something Selena said with wide eyes and a jaw drop—and many people thought they were talking about Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. Timothée and Kylie are reportedly dating.
Lip reader Jeremy Freeman told Page Six his translation. “He didn’t want a picture with me. He said no,” Selena told Taylor, according to Freeman. Keleigh reportedly replied, “Timothée?” prompting Selena to nod her head.
Selena has since revealed what she actually said to Taylor at the Golden Globes.
On January 9—after two days of rampant speculation—Selena clarified what she really said to Taylor at the Golden Globe Awards. She took to the comments of an E! News Instagram post to set the record straight. “Noooooo I told Taylor about two of my friends who hooked up,” Selena wrote. “Not that that’s anyone business.”
Timothée also said there was 'no beef' between himself and Kylie Jenner and Selena.
On January 8, Timothée reluctantly spoke out against the rumors to TMZ. When a reporter asked if the Wonka actor and Selena were “cool,” he responded, “Of course.” Timothée also replied in the negative when the TMZ reporter inquired if Selena and Kylie, “have any beef.”
Selena took a social media break in October 2023.
Although Selena’s current social media break is likely disappointing for fans, it’s not the first time she’s temporarily broken up with Instagram. The “Good for You” songstress most recently took a step back in October 2023. Selena explained in her Instagram Story that the decision was "because my heart breaks to see all the horror, hate, violence and terror that’s going on in the world,” per People.
Hopefully, she’ll be back soon!
