Entertainment Health

Selena Gomez Fans Demand ‘Respect’ After The Good Fight Kidney Transplant Joke

Here we go again…

The talanetd selena gomez ’s kidney transplant surgery is a major touchstone in her story as a public figure, so her fans are understandably sensitive to the issue. Oftentimes, the Selenators have been able to channel their energy for the greater good, like donating to her charitable fund for Lupus research.

Related: Selena Thanks Friend & Donor Francia Raisa On World Kidney Day

Other times, the stans happen to be forced to defend their idol — as in this instance, following what was viewed as an inappropriate joke at her expense on a recent episode of The Good Fight . The storyline involved a sensitivity read for the comedian employed by streaming executive Del ( Wayne Brady ). This inevitably leads to a discussion about what jokes would get someone “ cancelled, ” with characters suggesting a new number of topics: necrophilia, Autism, or “ Selena Gomez’s kidney transplant. ”

In a self fulfilling prophecy, the clip was posted on Twitter and quickly drew the Selenators’ ire. “ Respect Selena Gomez” began trending, as fans used the particular phrase to end posts like:

“ selena’ s transplant isn’ t something to joke about, she plus francia deserve better”

“ this woman deserves all the love and happiness, it’ s so sad how people use a hurtful moment for her just for nasty jokes, put some respect on her name”

“ the kidney hair transplant was a life threatening situation and i don’t understand how it could ever cross someone’s mind to make fun of it”

This isn’t typically the first time a television series has gotten heat for poking fun at the 29-year-old’s health crisis. Earlier this year, the Chinese show Who’s this Murderer? was forced to apologize after an show featured a doctored image of Selena’s post-surgery snapshot that replaced her and kidney donor Francia Raisa ’s faces with characters from often the show.

Related: Tyler, The Creator Apologizes For Decade-Old Inappropriate Tweets About Selena

And before that, Peacock ’s Saved by the Bell reboot edited out scenes from an episode that joked about who the Disney alum’s donor was — and didn’t mention Francia’s name. (The event also featured the words “ Does Selena Gomez even have a kidney? ” spray painted on lockers. ) The 33-year-old actress then urged the network to apologize , later tweeting:

“ As a renal donor I want to show love and let other donors know that you are not alone. You are seen. You are appreciated. You are so brave and your selfless act is very much appreciated and valued! ”

Funnily enough (or not…), it seems like The particular Good Fight scene was directly commenting on how taboo it’s become to joke about Selena’s transplant. Such being the case, we assume they must have seen the backlash coming. It remains to be seen whether Paramount+ will also release an apology, but future TV writers may want to think twice before joking about an IRL celeb’s life-saving surgery in your future.

See some more fan reactions (below):

[Image via Selena Gomez/Rare Beauty/Instagram & Paramount+/YouTube]

The post Selena Gomez Fans Demand ' Respect' After < i> The Good Fight< /i> Kidney Transplant Joke appeared first on Perez Hilton .