The backlash against Selena Gomez‘s alleged comment on a Rare Beauty model intensified after a campaign regular said the founder’s remarks left her in tears. The singer-actor told a business audience her brand doesn’t “use models,” emphasizing “real” people.
A longtime campaign face heard the clip and felt dismissed. The anonymous talent said the comment undercut her work and identity during a rough day. Debate then spread among fans about what “real” means in a beauty campaign.
Selena Gomez told Rare Beauty model she’s not ‘real’ at her job — report
As per The U.S. Sun, a Rare Beauty model shared her response towards Selena Gomez’s view on campaigning for products of her brand Rare Beauty. The model claimed, “I actually cried when I heard Selena’s comments.” She has worked with the brand since 2024 and feared future bookings.
The model also said the wording felt personal, not abstract. She added, “I was already having a bad day and was feeling really sensitive and emotional.” She continued, “I saw that video of her saying I’m not even a real model.” The model further stated, “It hit me at the worst time because now I’m like… ‘what am I even doing?”
Stage remarks triggered the criticism. As per the report, at the Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, Selena Gomez said, “We don’t use models. We use people who I have felt they can be your best friend…I want something real.” Another model reposted the clip and wrote, “Well this is awkward…She called me chopped oh lord!” Online reactions described the language as “unnecessarily cruel.”
Stronger words followed. The model said, “It’s degrading and embarrassing,” adding, “I don’t need to meet her. I hope… she chooses her words more wisely.” Work remains a factor. “If it’s a huge campaign, I’m not in a position to say no,” she admitted. “Ideally not,” she said about returning to the brand.
Context rounds out the claim. The pop star leads Rare Beauty, launched in 2020, alongside the Hulu series, “Only Murders in the Building”. The model said she wants brands that “see” and believe in her. For now, the dispute surrounding Selena Gomez and Rare Beauty centers on language, acknowledgement and how campaigns define what is “real.”
