Taylor Lautner Defends Selena Gomez from Body-Shaming: A Strong Message Against Online Hate

Taylor Lautner has taken a firm stand against body-shaming, defending Selena Gomez from negative comments regarding her appearance. The former Twilight star used his platform to call out the hurtful criticism aimed at the singer and actress, reinforcing the importance of self-acceptance and kindness in the face of public scrutiny.

Taylor Lautner Speaks Out Against Hateful Comments

In a February 26 Instagram Story, Lautner shared a side-by-side comparison of Selena Gomez at the 2024 and 2025 SAG Awards. The post included cruel remarks about her weight, with one comment reading, “Oh, she big big” in reference to the 2024 image, while another said, “She looked better thicc” about her 2025 look. These comments reflect the internet’s tendency to criticize celebrities no matter how their bodies change.

Lautner did not hold back in his response. “It’s a cruel world full of hate out there,” he wrote over the image. “You can never please everyone, nor should you have to. In my experience, it doesn’t make the words sting less; it just refocuses you on what matters. And it sure isn’t the shape, color, or appearance of your body.”

His words highlight a crucial issue in celebrity culture—no matter what changes a public figure undergoes, there will always be unwarranted criticism. Lautner reminded his followers of the importance of self-worth and encouraged them to be kinder to one another.

Selena Gomez’s History with Body-Shaming

Selena Gomez has been open about her struggles with body image, particularly as they relate to her health. Diagnosed with lupus in 2015, the singer has undergone a kidney transplant and takes medication that affects her weight. She has frequently addressed the scrutiny she faces over her body, expressing frustration with the relentless judgment from the public.

In a 2019 episode of Giving Back Generation, Gomez spoke candidly about the toll body-shaming had taken on her. “I really noticed when people started attacking me for that,” she said. “That got to me big time.”

Gomez’s fluctuating weight has often been the subject of public discourse, despite her repeated attempts to redirect attention to more meaningful aspects of her life and career. She has emphasized that her weight changes are a direct result of her lupus treatment, something she cannot control. Despite this, critics continue to comment on her body, reinforcing the toxic nature of online culture.

Celebrities and the Pressure of Public Perception

The entertainment industry has long placed immense pressure on celebrities to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. Women, in particular, face intense scrutiny over their weight, leading to harmful cycles of dieting, self-doubt, and public speculation.

Selena Gomez is just one of many female celebrities who have faced body-shaming. Stars like Adele, Lizzo, and even Taylor Swift have spoken about their experiences with public criticism regarding their appearance. In Swift’s 2020 documentary Miss Americana, she discussed how negative comments about her body led to struggles with disordered eating. Similarly, Lizzo has repeatedly had to defend herself against comments about her size, despite her message of body positivity.

The issue of body-shaming extends beyond Hollywood. With the rise of social media, people everywhere face pressure to look a certain way, with influencers and celebrities often held up as the standard. Lautner’s message serves as a reminder that self-worth should not be tied to physical appearance.

Taylor Lautner’s Personal Experience with Body Image Pressure

Lautner’s defense of Gomez carries personal significance. As an actor who rose to fame for his role as Jacob Black in Twilight, he was once celebrated for his muscular physique. However, after the franchise ended, he faced scrutiny when his body changed.

In a 2023 podcast interview, Lautner admitted that the attention on his body affected his self-esteem. “When I was 16 to 20 years old, my body was my identity,” he explained. “It was what everybody would talk about. So when I started looking different, I didn’t know how to feel about myself.”

His experience mirrors that of many in the industry, where physical appearance often becomes a defining trait. By speaking out in support of Gomez, Lautner acknowledges the harmful impact of body-shaming and emphasizes the need for compassion.

Media and the Role in Perpetuating Unrealistic Standards

A significant contributor to body-shaming is the media, which often sensationalizes celebrity weight gain or loss. Recently, an op-ed published by Glamour titled “It’s Okay to Feel Hurt When Celebrities Lose Weight—But Let’s Unpack It” sparked backlash. The article discussed Gomez’s “visibly slimmer” look at the 2025 SAG Awards and how it triggered mixed reactions from fans.

Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin addressed the piece on The View, questioning its message. Hostin emphasized the importance of empathy, stating, “You don’t know what’s going on in that person’s life.”

Gomez’s weight fluctuation has been linked to her lupus treatment, but the ongoing public obsession with her body disregards the personal and medical struggles she faces. This obsession reflects a broader issue in media culture—where celebrities are constantly scrutinized for their appearances rather than their accomplishments.

The Importance of Body Positivity and Kindness

Lautner’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of body positivity and kindness. It’s easy to forget that celebrities, despite their fame and wealth, are human beings who experience the same insecurities and struggles as everyone else.

In an era where social media magnifies every aspect of a person’s life, body-shaming has become more prevalent than ever. However, movements promoting body positivity and self-love have gained momentum. Celebrities like Selena Gomez, Taylor Lautner, and Lizzo are using their platforms to push back against harmful narratives and encourage people to embrace their bodies as they are.

Ultimately, Lautner’s defense of Gomez highlights a larger issue within society—our obsession with appearance and the unrealistic expectations placed on individuals in the public eye. His call for kindness is a step toward changing the conversation, reminding people that true beauty lies beyond physical appearance.

Final Thoughts

Selena Gomez has faced public scrutiny over her body for years, despite repeatedly explaining that her weight fluctuations are a result of her lupus treatment. Taylor Lautner’s recent statement in her defense sheds light on the cruelty of body-shaming and the unrealistic expectations placed on celebrities.

His words serve as a powerful reminder that beauty is not defined by weight or appearance. In a world where online negativity is rampant, his message encourages self-acceptance and kindness. As social media continues to shape public perception, it’s essential to focus on lifting people up rather than tearing them down.

The hope is that messages like Lautner’s will inspire others to practice more compassion, both online and in real life. No one should have to justify their body to the world, and true confidence comes from embracing oneself—flaws and all.