Selena Gomez’s fans have shown unwavering support after the singer was criticized for the amount of money she gave to a homeless man. The encounter, which occurred outside the Nobu Fifty-Seven restaurant in New York City, sparked a debate about the pop star’s generosity. But her devoted fanbase, the “Selenators,” quickly came to her defense, pushing back against online critics.
Selena Gomez’s Encounter: A Simple Gesture of Kindness
While dining at the upscale Nobu Fifty-Seven on October 15, 2024, Selena Gomez was spotted engaging with her fans and taking selfies after dinner. As Gomez made her way out of the restaurant, she noticed a homeless man nearby. In a moment of compassion, she asked her bodyguard if he had any cash, as she didn’t have any on hand. The bodyguard offered $20, which Gomez then handed to the man, wishing him to “have a good meal” before leaving.
It was a simple act, one that many might find admirable. But when a video of the interaction surfaced on TMZ, it ignited a wave of backlash on social media. Some users criticized Gomez, pointing out that her $20 donation seemed minimal for someone reportedly worth over a billion dollars.
Criticism on Social Media: “Only $20?”
The reaction on social media was swift, with some commenters expressing disappointment over the modest amount given. Several users suggested that Gomez, given her wealth, could have offered a more substantial donation. One user commented, “So much money and only $20?” while another added, “That’s like a penny split into 100 parts for her.”
Others took the criticism further, questioning whether $20 could make a significant difference for the homeless man. One person stated, “Just $20? I mean, nice and generous gesture, but $20 these days doesn’t buy much.” The comments created a viral debate, with opinions split over the appropriateness of the donation amount.
Selenators Speak Out: Defending Selena’s Actions
Selena Gomez’s loyal fanbase was quick to come to her defense. They argued that Gomez’s gesture was genuine and that she acted in the moment with the resources available. One fan noted, “I’m glad she asked her bodyguard if he had any cash since I seriously doubt this homeless fella had a credit card reader or the phone to go with it! Sheesh!”
Other fans highlighted the impracticality of always having large amounts of cash readily available, particularly in a digital age where many people primarily use debit and credit cards. “Before y’all comment, how much did you give the homeless guy?” one fan challenged. Another clarified, “She didn’t have cash on her, and her bodyguard had $20, which he gave the man. A lot of us don’t carry cash anymore. It’s all debit cards we carry now.”
The online backlash didn’t sit well with the Selenators, who pointed out that it was unfair to expect celebrities to shoulder public scrutiny over every act of charity. They praised Gomez’s willingness to stop, interact, and help the man, even if the donation seemed small to some.
Selena Gomez: A Billionaire with a Humble Heart
Selena Gomez’s net worth has become a topic of discussion recently, particularly after Bloomberg reported that her beauty brand, Rare Beauty, is now valued at over $1.3 billion. The report placed her on their billionaires index, taking into account her stake in Rare Beauty, her interest in Wondermind, music album sales, streaming deals, acting roles, and brand partnerships.
Despite her wealth, Gomez remains grounded in her public persona, often emphasizing gratitude over material success. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she described her brand’s success as a dream realized by her supporters. “I really am giving all the credit to the people who buy the products… They’re the ones that made this dream of mine come true. So I’m really, really honored and just happy,” Gomez shared.
selena gomez giving a homeless man some money and saying "have a good meal" she's so 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Mht1BCdkhJ
— . (@selovelenaa) October 16, 2024
While she acknowledges her business achievements, Gomez has also admitted that discussions around wealth can be “distasteful.” This sentiment aligns with her reputation as someone who remains humble and values kindness and connection above all.
Understanding the Complexity of Celebrity Generosity
Criticism of celebrities’ charitable actions often misses the bigger picture. While $20 may seem insignificant compared to Gomez’s billion-dollar net worth, it’s important to consider the context of the situation. For Gomez, who didn’t carry cash at the moment, offering what was available was better than ignoring the man’s need altogether.
The scrutiny around how much celebrities should donate to charity often overshadows the fact that they’re making efforts to help at all. People tend to forget that a kind act, no matter how small, can still have an impact. Gomez’s fans see her gesture as a reflection of her character, rather than a measure of her wealth. They argue that her consistent kindness, whether on or off camera, is what matters most.
The Selenators’ Perspective: It’s the Thought That Counts
Selena Gomez has built her brand not just around music and acting but also around authenticity and compassion. Her supporters appreciate her for being real and approachable, qualities that shine through even in moments of criticism. The fact that she took time to acknowledge the homeless man, rather than ignoring him, resonated with her fans. They see her as someone who is genuinely empathetic, regardless of the amount of money involved.
Selena Gomez is reported to be a billionaire. Credit: Cindy Ord / Getty
This incident also sheds light on a broader issue: the unrealistic expectations placed on celebrities to always be “enough.” Whether it’s their philanthropy, public behavior, or personal choices, celebrities often face judgment that disregards the context and complexity of real life. Gomez’s act of giving was a spur-of-the-moment decision, guided by the resources she had at that moment.
Conclusion: Compassion Over Criticism
In an age where acts of kindness can quickly become subjects of controversy, Selena Gomez’s gesture to a homeless man serves as a reminder that every small act of compassion counts. While some may debate the significance of a $20 donation, Gomez’s intentions were rooted in empathy and the desire to help, however she could. The Selenators’ unwavering defense of her actions shows that the essence of kindness lies not in the size of the gift but in the heart that offers it.
