Taylor Lautner has come to the defense of his former girlfriend, Selena Gomez, who has recently faced harsh body-shaming comments online. The actor, known for his role in the "Twilight" series, addressed the negativity surrounding Gomez's appearance, particularly following her recent participation at the SAG Awards.
Lautner took to his Instagram Story to repost comments from influencer Alex Light, who highlighted the contradictory criticisms Gomez received at the 2024 and 2025 SAG Awards. Last year, Gomez was mocked for gaining weight, with some even speculating she might be using the medication Ozempic to manage her appearance. This year, the tide shifted as she faced backlash for appearing slimmer, with the same whispers of Ozempic use echoing once again.
"Selena was mocked last year at the SAG Awards for putting on weight, told to go on Ozempic. At this year’s SAG Awards, she’s slammed for losing weight, mocked for allegedly being on Ozempic," Light pointed out, criticizing the unrealistic expectations placed on women. She emphasized, "No matter what we do, someone will have an opinion. So let’s remind ourselves: our bodies are ours, not up for public discussion." These remarks ring true for many women and girls who find themselves the subject of scrutiny for their bodies, whether they gain or lose weight.
Alongside this powerful message, Lautner made his own statement, denouncing the culture of body shaming. He wrote, "It’s a cruel world full of hate out there. You can never please everyone nor should you have to. Daily reminder to all of us to not forget how beautiful you are inside and out… and to be a little nicer." His words resonate with the sentiments many are feeling as social media continues to perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards.
Gomez, who has been open about her struggles with body image due to health issues, including lupus and the side effects of her kidney transplant, has long advocated for self-acceptance. The criticisms affecting her remain deeply personal; she's previously mentioned crying over such comments, yet now advocates for women to embrace their individuality.
Gomez's appearance at the SAG Awards this year sparked discussions not just about her physical transformation but also about the societal pressures women face daily. Her fans praised her for her beauty and resilience, creating a stark juxtaposition against the criticism she received. One fan tweeted, "Selena always knows how to shine at these events," applauding her ability to rise above negativity.
Yet, even amid supportive messages, some users on social media speculated about her weight loss, attaching it to claims of using weight-loss medications. This unwarranted scrutiny highlights the pervasive issue of body shaming and the culture of judgment surrounding women's bodies.
Lautner's stand for Gomez is particularly significant considering their history together. The two dated briefly back in 2009 when they were both rising stars—Gomez from her Disney fame and Lautner from his evident success with the "Twilight" saga. Though their romantic relationship has long since ended, Lautner's impulse to defend Gomez showcases the enduring bond and respect they maintain for one another.
Last year, Gomez expressed pride in her identity during her struggles with body image, stating, "I'm not perfect but I am proud to be who I am... sometimes I forget it's okay to be me." Her open dialogue about her experiences with body image issues is part of her broader mission to empower others facing similar struggles.
Now engaged to music producer Benny Blanco, Gomez has become more vocal about embracing her authenticity. The announcement of her engagement just weeks ago during a seemingly casual yet romantic picnic reflects her growth and commitment to self-acceptance.
A few weeks ago, Lautner himself married Taylor Dome, who has also expressed support for body positivity and acceptance. His actions to defend Gomez speak volumes against the backdrop of their shared past and resonate with his own experiences facing body image judgments post-fame.
With both celebrities actively standing against body shaming, their messages remind us of the importance of kindness and support within the entertainment community. The reality is, society's often harsh standards can be crushing, but with voices like Gomez and Lautner standing up against the tide, there’s hope for change.