Selena Gomez Catches Heat for 'Rich Person' Behavior

 

Selena Gomez Catches Heat for 'Rich Person' Behavior After Recent Photo Enraged Fans

Selena Gomez is facing backlash online after sharing a photo that many fans interpreted as "tone-deaf" or "rich person" behavior. The controversy stems from her Instagram Story post showing her watching a New York Knicks basketball game on her phone while attending a stop on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour.

In the photo, Gomez had propped her phone up against the glass in what appeared to be box seating at the concert, leading some fans to feel she wasn’t fully engaged with the show.

Reddit users were quick to criticize the move, with comments suggesting it reflected a lack of appreciation for an event many fans would dream of attending. Reactions included:

• “Only a rich person would go to a Beyoncé concert and then watch a basketball game.”

• “Why pay hundreds (or thousands) for a concert just to stream sports?”

• “It’s giving ‘too privileged to care.’”

The moment added to a string of recent critiques aimed at Gomez for perceived out-of-touch behavior, following her $20 donation to a homeless man that also drew mixed reactions.

While some defended her right to multitask or enjoy both interests, the incident highlights the growing scrutiny on celebrities’ public actions, especially when they seem disconnected from how everyday fans might experience the same moments.

Selena Gomez recently faced criticism after a video surfaced showing her giving a $20 bill to a homeless man outside Nobu Fifty Seven, an upscale restaurant in New York City. The footage, which quickly went viral, captured Gomez asking her bodyguard for money before handing it to the man and wishing him a "good meal." 

While some praised her for the spontaneous act of kindness, others labeled it as "tone-deaf" given her billionaire status, arguing that $20 was insufficient and likening it to "spare change" from someone of her wealth. Secrecy surrounds Gomez's public actions and statements. In a separate controversy, she received backlash for posting an emotional video on Instagram about ICE deportations, which she later deleted. Commentator Megyn Kelly criticized Gomez, calling her "unwell" for sharing such a personal moment on social media.

Despite these criticisms, Gomez has consistently expressed a desire to use her platform for positive influence. She has emphasized that discussing her wealth feels "distasteful" and credits her success to the support of her fans and customers.

The mixed reactions to Gomez's actions highlight the challenges celebrities face in balancing personal gestures with public expectations.

Selena Gomez's Instagram Story — showing her watching a New York Knicks game on her phone while attending Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter concert at MetLife Stadium — has stirred major debate online about celebrity behavior and concert etiquette.

The image, captioned "Still got my eye on the game," was taken from box seating overlooking the stadium, and it quickly ignited polarized reactions across social media platforms, especially Reddit.

Criticism from Fans:

Many users expressed frustration and disappointment, arguing Gomez’s behavior highlighted a privileged detachment from experiences that everyday fans deeply value:

• "Rich people can't appreciate things..." one top comment read, suggesting constant access to luxury dulls authentic enjoyment.

• Others pointed out the empty premium seats visible in the image, calling it a "waste" and labeling celebrities as out of touch.

Supportive Reactions:

Some users defended Gomez, saying watching a game during a concert isn’t uncommon — especially given the Knicks’ high-stakes playoff run:

• “Plenty of my friends had the game on their phones too,” one commenter said, suggesting multitasking was reasonable for passionate sports fans.

• Another added, “Let her live. It’s not like she was on stage ignoring Beyoncé.”

The Bigger Conversation:

This moment has sparked a broader discussion about:

• How celebrities consume entertainment differently than the average person.

• What’s considered respectful behavior at live events.

• The optics of privilege, especially when posted publicly.

While the incident may seem minor, it has added fuel to ongoing cultural conversations about wealth, relatability, and public image in celebrity culture.