Selena Gomez's latest music video, In the Dark, has set off a social media firestorm as fans question the singer's transformed appearance and link it to her ongoing struggle with lupus. The 32-year-old artist, known for her natural image and emotional transparency, appears dramatically different in the moody, retro-themed visuals that debuted this week.
Within hours of the video's release, the internet was awash with speculation. On X, formerly Twitter, one fan shared stills from the shoot with the caption, "Selena Gomez looks stunning for the In the Dark music video." But responses quickly turned contentious, with thousands debating whether her look was the result of makeup, editing, or plastic surgery. Phrases such as "botched surgery" and "filler overdose" began trending, while others defended Gomez against what they viewed as cruel commentary.
"Why is it so normalised to talk about someone's body? She literally underwent a kidney transplant and will live with lupus her whole life," one user wrote, drawing attention to the autoimmune disease that has long shaped Gomez's health and public image.
Gomez was first diagnosed with lupus in 2015 and has frequently discussed its effects on her appearance and mental wellbeing. Some fans argued that her new look could reflect side effects of medication, including swelling or puffiness, rather than any cosmetic procedure.
The video itself, directed by Luke Orlando, features Gomez in a cinematic 1980s aesthetic - sleek black leotards, smoky lighting, and a melancholic tone reminiscent of her earlier Revival era. She revealed on Instagram that the shoot wrapped in under eight hours and called it "a little Revival," signaling a personal and artistic callback to her 2015 album that celebrated independence and resilience.
By the next morning, the video had surpassed 1.5 million views on YouTube. Comment sections filled with both admiration for its nostalgic production and dissection of Gomez's face, with users comparing screenshots from her past appearances. One post read, "Selena Gomez looks stunning for the In the Dark music video," though replies soon turned skeptical. Others described her transformation as "tragic" and speculated about "botched surgery" or "filler overdose." Supporters countered, pointing out that "lupus and its treatments can cause facial swelling or puffiness."
As debate intensified, industry observers pointed to other factors. Digital imaging experts told People that stylized filters, lighting, and post-production color grading could easily explain the changes seen on screen. Several media outlets have noted that the video's deliberate use of grain and contrast may exaggerate facial shadows or texture.
Neither Gomez nor her representatives have addressed the rumors directly. Her social media pages remain focused on promoting In the Dark and thanking fans for their support. Meanwhile, the conversation online has shifted toward empathy - with some fans urging others to consider how chronic illness can alter both a person's health and public image.
Through it all, Gomez's lyrics seem to speak for her. "I'll be there when you lose yourself, to remind you of who you are," she sings - a line many interpret as a subtle message to her audience amid the scrutiny.
