Taylor Lautner is defending Selena Gomez as social media users continue to comment on the actress’ appearance.
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, Lautner, 33, reposted a Tuesday, Feb. 25, Instagram post from body positivity influencer Alex Light to his Instagram Stories. The content creator posted an Instagramcollage of Gomez, showcasing the ongoing contradicting comments on the actress’ body and appearance throughout the years.
Lautner then added the post to his Instagram Stories on Wednesday, writing, “It’s a cruel world full of hate out there.”
“You can never please everyone nor should you have to. In my experience it doesn’t make the words sting less, it just refocuses you onto what matters,” the Twilight star continued. “And it sure isn’t the shape, color or appearance of your body.”
“Daily reminder to all of us to not forget how beautiful you are inside and out.” He concluded his statement by simply saying, “…and be a little bit nicer.”
Taylor Lautner Defends Selena Gomez in his Feb. 26, 2025 Instagram Stories.
Taylor Lautner/Instagram;Getty
The initial post from Light focused on comments on Gomez’s weight throughout recent years. The content creator highlighted the conflicting comments from 2024, saying that Gomez had gained weight or looked “hot” when she was younger.
Light then followed it with comments from this month, speculating Gomez used weight loss drugs and that she “looked better” before.
Selena Gomez attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England.
Samir Hussein/WireImage
The Only Murders in the Building star, 32, has reflected on the body-shaming comments she’s received throughout her career. Due to complications from her lupus diagnosis, Gomez underwent a kidney transplant in September 2017, and she has previously explained that her condition causes “weight fluctuations.”
“I have lupus and deal with kidney issues and high blood pressure, so I deal with a lot of health issues, and for me, that’s when I really started noticing more of the body image stuff,” she said in a November 2019 interview with friend Raquelle Stevens on her video podcast Giving Back Generation.
Taylor Lautner on February 8, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty
Meanwhile, Lautner has offered similar sentimentsabout public commentary about his body. He revealed that his mental health declined in the years after the Twilight Saga due to public comments.
During a February 2023 episode of his podcast, The Squeeze, he explained that once he wrapped the film franchise, he “started having more normal of a body.” But once he entered the public eye again, it “was very tough” to see online comments.
With time, he said he had to learn how to prioritize self care and not focus on body image by getting his mind healthy first before getting his body healthy.
“Don’t find happiness in what you want your body to look like,” Lautner added. “Don’t think just because you lose the 20 lbs. or put on the muscle, you’re going to wake up and look in the mirror and all of a sudden be happy. That’s not where you should be finding value.”
