[imagesource:x/@PopBase/screenshot]

Selena Gomez has delighted fans online with her ‘heart-on-the-sleeve’ facial expressions at this year’s edition of the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).

Selena Gomez attended the 2023 VMAs this week, where she found herself in the spotlight for her candid reaction to nominees for the ‘Best R&B’ category.

In a moment that quickly caught the attention of viewers and social media users, Gomez appeared to have swallowed a proverbial lemon when Chris Brown’s name was announced, and the pop sensation declined to clap along with the rest of the audience when his name was mentioned.

The category included the song ‘How Does It Feel’ by Chloe Bailey and Chris Brown, from the Chloe x Halle singer’s debut solo album, ‘In Pieces’. As the clip of the duo’s video played and Chris Brown’s name was called, Gomez was seen scrunching up her face at his name. Then, as more names were announced, she immediately smiled and clapped for other artists in the category.

The reason behind Gomez’s reaction likely stems from Chris Brown’s well-documented legal troubles, including his 2009 assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna, just before that year’s Grammy Awards. Brown pleaded guilty to a felony charge and received a sentence of five years probation along with domestic violence counselling. Despite this, Brown continues to top charts with his music, to the chagrin of many domestic assault survivors and social media users in general.

While a lot of pop stars take on the task of ‘grinning and bearing it’ during awards ceremonies, many are giving Gomez kudos for her honest response.

Selena Gomez reacting to Chris Brown being nominated at the #VMAs. pic.twitter.com/ngx4Ep8aD5

— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 13, 2023

Gomez has been given even more props since responding to the moment in the comments, with an unapologetic, “Who cares lol.”

The star also went viral on her Instagram Story following her ‘stinkface’ caught at the VMAs, where she posted a simple message:

“I will never be a meme again. I’d rather sit still than be dragged for being myself. Much love.”

On top of the wave of support for Gomez’ reaction, the singer celebrated her win for ‘Best Afrobeats’ at the VMA event, for her featured role in Rema’s song, ironically titled ‘Calm Down’, which recently surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify.

After everything went down, Brown briefly commented on the ‘bombastic side-eye’ from Gomez, saying, “Let me mind my business.”

You do that, babes. The netizens have spoken, and Gomez will undoubtably go down in VMA history as a legend for her ‘no f**ks given’ attitude. Brown on the other hand will always just be the guy who beat up a woman with more talent than he will ever have.

[source:billboard]