Entertainment
Selena Gomez Receives Praise and Backlash for Netflix Docuseries “Living Undocumented”
Published
3 years agoon
By
Cory Ray
- Netflix released a trailer for its new docuseries executive produced by Selena Gomez titled “Living Undocumented,” which follows eight families as they work to gain legal status amid fears of deportation.
- Some are praising the project for shining a light on immigration issues, while others fear the show will exploit the pain and trauma immigrants in the U.S. experience.
- Others also criticized Gomez for only now stepping into the immigration conversation; however, Gomez has been vocal about some immigration issues in the past.
“Living Undocumented” Announced
Netflix released a trailer on Tuesday for its new docuseries Living Undocumented, which was met with both praise and criticism largely directed at its star executive producer Selena Gomez.
The docuseries, which is scheduled for an Oct. 2 release, follows eight different families who are struggling to gain legal status amid fears of deportation.
“I knew I wasn’t born here,” a young girl says in the trailer. “I just didn’t know that not being born here was something that was dangerous. And I always have to do everything scared.”
“That’s the dream, isn’t it?” a man says in Spanish. “To be able to say: we belong in this society.”
In a statement about the project Gomez said, “I chose to produce this series, Living Undocumented, because over the past few years, the word immigrant has seemingly become a negative word.”
In a separate Instagram post, she added that the show will star real people facing issues that are more complex than one administration or law.
Mixed Response Online
After watching the trailer and learning of Gomez’s involvement, many people online began praising the series.
“Just watched the previews for #livingundocumented and it brought tears to my eyes,” one Twitter user wrote. “My parents came to the us undocumented and I remembered what it felt like living in that fear. can’t wait to watch @selenagomez”
Just watched the previews for #livingundocumented and it brought tears to my eyes 😭 my parents came to the us undocumented and I remembered what it felt like living in that fear 😭can’t wait to watch @selenagomez
— Gabby (@rdzgabs5) September 17, 2019
i'm so proud of you miss gomez
— #FreeBritney (@16_rodrigo) September 17, 2019
what a beautiful soul
#LivingUndocumented | Official Tr… https://t.co/76mObKkIl8
Thank you @selenagomez for giving these people a voice and a platform to really make a difference😭🥺❤️ https://t.co/J81svkfPvx
— Queer Quality Assured (@roguehomosexual) September 18, 2019
On the opposite side of the spectrum, others worried the show might exploit undocumented immigrants. Some also criticized Gomez, claiming she hasn’t done enough for the undocumented community.
“People want to claim their communities issues when those issues become monetary gain,” one person said. “Selena Gomez gets to make this one documentary and pretend to do any work for the undocumented community. She gets to make these people relive trauma and walk away with a Netflix check.”
People want to claim their communities issues when those issues become monetary gain. Selena Gomez gets to make this one documentary and pretend to do any work for the undocumented community. She gets to make these people relive trauma and walk away with a Netflix check. https://t.co/niUoGIVqAg
— Jacks 👽 (@zripena) September 17, 2019
i find it interesting i've never heard selena gomez use her platform to speak for undocumented immigrants until there was a monetary benefit https://t.co/4QVWq0ShR2
— mon (@chulotaegi) September 18, 2019
Honestly @selenagomez ain't shit for doing this new Netflix special. Her comfortable and rich citizen ass making money off our trauma. Fuck any undocu that still supports anything she does. She should've helped pay bills for undocu parents instead. Fuck this special.
— Alex 🥄 (@sagitherapist) September 17, 2019
This is from an undocumented person. Don’t fucking watch that Selena Gomez documentary series. If you want a list of reasons please dm me.
— ugly commie homo (@elgalacticyouth) September 17, 2019
Several concerns stemmed from the fact that Gomez herself was born in Texas, making her a legal citizen.
“The undocumented community has emphasized so much that we don’t like when people try to be the voice of the voiceless,” one person said. “She’s not undocumented and doesn’t fully understand that experience so when people try to speak for us it can come off inaccurately”
The undocumented community has emphasized so much that we don’t like when people try to be the voice of the voiceless. She’s not undocumented and doesn’t fully understand that experience so when people try to speak for us it can come off inaccurately
— Leidy (@leidythelady) September 17, 2019
Other people who also said they are undocumented, however, supported Gomez and the show for shedding light on the issue by bringing the narrative to undocumented families.
“Why is it a problem when Selena helps?” one person tweeted. “It’s almost like you guys wait for her to breath to tell her she’s doing it wrong. I’m an undocumented [immigrant] and I am very happy she did this. Why aren’t you? She’s literally bringing more attention to it which we need. Be grateful sheeeeessh”
Why is it a problem when Selena helps? It’s almost like you guys wait for her to breath to tell her she’s doing it wrong. I’m an undocumented and I am very happy she did this. Why aren’t you? She’s literally bringing more attention to it which we need. Be grateful sheeeeessh
— 👸👸 (@day_dreammming) September 17, 2019
I’m so glad to learn Selena Gomez is actually giving me a voice.
— Erik (@erik_garcia24) September 17, 2019
Others noted that she is using her platform to bring attention to undocumented families, who are the ones voicing their own stories in the show.
Anyways she isnt even in the documentaries, she is the executive producer, the actual undocumented are the only ones in the 6 episode series. She’s only sharing this story with her platform. And even if it was selena gomez, at least she’s shining a light on this.
— mo (@MoyoExe) September 18, 2019
Gomez’s Previous Support for Immigrants
In June, Gomez criticized housing conditions for children at migrant detention facilities, a story which attracted widespread scrutiny.
“Kids in cages!” the singer said in an Instagram post. “Sleeping on concrete floors with aluminum blankets! No access to simple dignities! How is this still happening??? It’s absolutely inhumane to treat anyone like this let alone children. I can’t even imagine what they are going through. We need to get this to finally stop! Don’t stay silent on this human rights issue.”
Gomez then urged her fans to call their state representatives in D.C.
In 2018, Gomez wrote a piece for Cristina Jiminez, who was being honored as one of Time’s Most Influential People that year. Jiminez came to the United States as an undocumented immigrant and later co-founding the immigration activist organization United We Dream.
As a nation of immigrants,” Gomez wrote, “the country is filled with those who believe in the American Dream: the ideal that everyone should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. Cristina Jiménez is the American Dream.”
Other Executive Producers
Gomez will join five other executive producers, including her mother, Mandy Teefey, and the show’s co-directors.
One of those directors, Aaron Saidman, reiterated that the show is about the immigrants featured in it.
“Living Undocumented is designed to illuminate one of the most important issues of our time,” he said. “But rather than discussing this issue with only statistics and policy debates, we wanted viewers to hear directly from the immigrants themselves, in their own words, with all the power and emotion that these stories reflect.”
See what others are saying: (Deadline) (Elle) (Entertainment Weekly)
Entertainment
Chris Pratt Denies Association With Hillsong Church: “I’ve Never Actually Been”
Published
5 days agoon
June 29, 2022
The church has been accused of having anti-LGBTQ ties, something Pratt has taken a hit for.
Pratt Addresses Hillsong Controversy
After several years of facing criticism for his alleged ties to the controversial Hillsong Church, actor Chris Pratt said he has “never actually been” to the church and is “not a religious person.”
The Hillsong Church has been condemned for being anti-LGBTQ. The issue received increased attention in 2019 when actor Elliot Page tweeted, “If you are a famous actor and you belong to an organization that hates a certain group of people, don’t be surprised if someone simply wonders why it’s not addressed.”
“Being anti LGBTQ is wrong, there aren’t two sides,” he continued.
At the time, Pratt responded to the allegations by saying that “nothing could be further from the truth” and that he believes “everyone is entitled to love who they want.” He doubled down on his denial in a profile published Tuesday in Men’s Health.
“I never went to Hillsong. I’ve never actually been to Hillsong,” he told the outlet. “I don’t know anyone from that church.”
Instead, Pratt said he attends Zoe Church in Los Angeles, though not exclusively. According to Men’s Health, Zoe Church is not without its issues. The church was founded by a pastor who produced a film that equated “sexual brokeness” to “same-sex attraction.” Other outlets have also described it as a Hillsong affiliate.
Pratt faced his biggest wave of backlash in 2020 when Internet memes declared him the “worst” Chris compared to other actors with the same first name, including Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, and Chris Pine. A slew of celebrities quickly came to Pratt’s defense, arguing the criticism was unjustifiably mean. Their speedy responses only heightened the online conversation and many of the celebrities who spoke out were eventually mocked for doing so.
Pratt Says He is Not Religious
As for why the Internet has become increasingly anti-Pratt, his alleged association to Hillsong was a major factor. Some also speculated he was a supporter of Donald Trump as he did not join his “Avengers” co-stars for a Joe Biden fundraiser, though Pratt is not usually politically outspoken in either direction.
Pratt believes the backlash against him started when he gave a speech at the MTV Movie Awards in 2018 where he said, “God is real. God loves you. God wants the best for you.” He understands why those remarks may have rubbed people the wrong way.
“Maybe it was hubris. For me to stand up on the stage and say the things that I said, I’m not sure I touched anybody,” he told Men’s Health. “Religion has been oppressive as fuck for a long time. I didn’t know that I would kind of become the face of religion when really I’m not a religious person.”
He went on to explain that in his eyes, there is a difference between adhering to certain customs and believing in God versus using God to control and harm people and justify hatred.
“The evil that’s in the heart of every single man has glommed on to the back of religion and come along for the ride,” he said.
See what others are saying: (Men’s Health) (The AV Club) (People)
Entertainment
Jodie Sweetin Releases Statement After Getting Pushed By Officers at Pro-Choice Protest: “This Will Not Deter Us”
Published
7 days agoon
June 27, 2022
“Love everyone out there in the streets fighting for what’s right,” she wrote on Instagram.
Actress Pushed at Protest
After viral footage showed Jodie Sweetin getting pushed to the ground by officers with the Los Angeles Police Department while attending a pro-choice protest, the “Full House” actress said demonstraters “will continue fighting” for their rights.
Sweetin was attending a protest off the 101 freeway on Saturday following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Photojournalist Mike Ade, who captured the video, said the actress was “trying to lead a group of peaceful protestors away from the freeway” when officers pushed her. Sweetin was standing on a curb when she was pushed and fell down on the cement road. Ade wrote that she was “fortunately…okay.”
Ade shared a handful of other videos depicting officers using similar tactics on other protesters. As these videos started circulating online, many became outraged by the LAPD’s response to the protests.
Sweetin Addresses Incident
Following the incident, Sweetin released a statement where she said the fight against the court’s decision is not over.
“I’m extremely proud of the hundreds of people who showed up yesterday to exercise their First Amendment rights and take immediate action to peacefully protest the giant injustices that have been delivered from our Supreme Court,” Sweetin said. “Our activism will continue until our voices are heard and action is taken. This will not deter us, we will continue fighting for our rights. We are not free until ALL of us are free.”
Sweetin also shared footage of the incident and other clips of officers clashing with protesters on her Instagram story. She cheered protesters in a comment on a video of the push shared by a social justice group called The Progressivists.
“Love everyone out there in the streets fighting for what’s right,” she wrote.
According to a statement obtained by Deadline, the LAPD is looking into the matter.
“The LAPD is aware of a video clip of a woman being pushed to the ground by officers not allowing the group to enter on foot and overtake the 101 freeway,” the statement said. “The force used will be evaluated against the LAPD’s policy and procedure.”
See what others are saying: (Deadline) (Rolling Stone) (The Hollywood Reporter)
Entertainment
Dave Chappelle Decides Against Having Former High School’s Theater Named After Him
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 21, 2022
“The idea that my name will be turned into an instrument of someone else’s perceived oppression is untenable to me,” the comedian reportedly said.
Theater Named Announced
Comedian Dave Chappelle opted on Monday to not have the theater at his alma mater high school named after him, according to a report from The Washington Post.
The Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington D.C. previously planned to name its theater in honor of Chappelle, as he is a distinct alum and donor. While Chappelle formerly said such a gesture would be “the most significant honor of [his] life,” he announced during Monday’s naming ceremony that it would bear a different title.
The school’s theater will instead be called the Theater for Artistic Freedom and Expression.
A naming ceremony was initially set to take place in November, but was postponed after the comedian began facing backlash for transphobic jokes in his Netflix special “The Closer.”
Among other things, he said he was “Team TERF,” which stands for trans-exclusionary radical feminist. He also made a joke about Caitlyn Jenner and remarks comparing the genitalia of transgender women to Beyond and Impossible meat.
The jokes embroiled Chappelle in controversy, and reports claimed that some students at Duke Ellington took issue with the comments. When Chappelle ended up visiting the school amid the scandal, Politico reported that one student told the comedian, “I’m 16 and I think you’re childish, you handled it like a child.”
Chappelle Defends Controversial Special
According to The Post, Chappelle said the criticism against him “sincerely” hurt, but added that “the Ellington Family is my family.” He claimed he did not want the theater being named after him to distract students.
“The idea that my name will be turned into an instrument of someone else’s perceived oppression is untenable to me,” he said according to Josh Rogin, a columnist for the outlet.
In the end, Chappelle said he didn't want any students to see his name on the theater and feel bad, so he decided to name it something else:
— Josh Rogin (@joshrogin) June 21, 2022
“The idea that my name will be turned into an instrument of someone else’s perceived oppression is untenable to me.”
END THREAD
Rogin also tweeted that Chappelle took time out of the ceremony to slam the criticisms levied against him, accusing upset students of promoting someone else’s agenda.
“These kids didn’t understand that they were instruments of oppression,” he reportedly said.
Chappelle said his special The Closer was unfairly portrayed in the press:
— Josh Rogin (@joshrogin) June 21, 2022
“You cannot report on an artist’s work and remove artistic nuance.”
He said it would be like reporting a large rabbit shot a man in the face without telling people it was a Bugs Bunny cartoon.
“You cannot report on an artist’s work and remove artistic nuance,” Chappelle continued while denouncing the press coverage of his Netflix special.
According to David Frum, a staff writer for The Atlantic who attended the ceremony, Chappelle suggested he was open to potentially adding his name to the theater at a later date when the community is ready.
See what others are saying: (The Washington Post) (Variety) (The Atlantic)

Sen. Smith Leads Effort to “Protect Access to Abortion Care Where it is Still Legal”

Chris Pratt Denies Association With Hillsong Church: “I’ve Never Actually Been”

Mental Health Startup Cerebral May Have Harmed Hundreds of Patients, Leaked Documents Reveal

Conservatives Slam Elmo For Getting Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Israel Relaxes Abortion Restrictions in Response to U.S. Supreme Court Ruling

Supreme Court Rules High School Football Coach Can Pray on Field

Jodie Sweetin Releases Statement After Getting Pushed By Officers at Pro-Choice Protest: “This Will Not Deter Us”

Uvalde Puts Police Chief on Leave, Tries to Kick Him Off City Council

Instagram Testing New Tools To Verify Users Are Over 18

Rep. Schiff Urges DOJ to Investigate Trump for Election Crimes: “There’s Enough Evidence”

Dave Chappelle Decides Against Having Former High School’s Theater Named After Him

Mia Khalifa Shuts Down Death Rumors, Sparks Conversations About Plastic Surgery and Adult Film Industry

Ace Family’s Austin McBroom and Team Accused of Rape

YouTuber MrBeast Responds to Criticism of Massive Tree Planting Project

Netflix Apologizes and Changes Marketing Materials for “Cuties” After Backlash

Joe Rogan Denies Spotify Censorship Rumors, According to Alex Jones

Dixie D’Amelio Responds to Rumors That She Faked Seizures to Get Out of Class

Conservatives Slam Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion Over “WAP” Lyrics

The Onision Controversy Explained

Influencer Coconut Kitty Accused of Editing Nude and Suggestive Photos To Make Herself Look Underage

Tweet Falsely Claims Bob Saget Was Accused of Abuse by Corey Feldman

Ariana Grande Look-Alike Responds After Singer Suggests Her TikTok Impersonations Are “Degrading”

Coward Ethan Klein Threatens Me, But I’m Not Backing Down Because I’m a Strong Boy, Amouranth & More

He Definitely Hunts People On a Private Island… Will Smith, Jeffree Star, Barry Loudermilk, & More

The Truth About Justin Bieber’s Facial Paralysis, Ryan Trahan $.01, Jan. 6 Hearings, & More

“ITS FAKE!” Conspiracy Theories Fly After Mass Arrest, Joe Rogan, John Cena, Google AI, Chris Murphy

Why The Internet is Pissed & Saying This is A Sad Day for Youtube. The Act Man v Youtube Explained

The MrBeast Scam Problem YouTube Can’t Fix, Epic Jet Ski Chase Caught on Video, & Gary…Oh Gary

GUESS WHO GOT CANCELLED! Washington Post Meltdown, Arizona Cops Watch Man Drown, Dave Chappelle, &

The Truth About Disney & Their Apology, Boris Johnson, Katie Porter Speaks Out, & More

Amber Heard Defenders Point Fingers At The Jury, Harry Styles, Michael Avenatti, Bailey Sarian, &

Johnny Depp Wins Defamation Case! Amber Heard Ordered to Pay Him $10 Million! Verdict, Reactions, &

WHO LEAKED IT?! Bo Burnham, Joe Rogan, Austin Fights Back, New Gun Ban, & More News

Columnist Apologizes Over Article Seemingly Intended to Out Rebel Wilson: “I Have Learnt Some New and Difficult Lessons”

Arizona Cops Watch as Homeless Man Drowns in Lake, Pleads for Help

Rep. Katie Porter Accuses GOP of Trying to “Weaponize” Gas Prices to “Win the Election”

Lizzo Changes Lyrics To Song After Backlash Over Ableist Word

Ohio Governor Signs Bill Allowing Teachers to Carry Guns With 24 Hours of Training

Texas Public Safety Director Says Police Response to Uvalde Shooting Was An “Abject Failure”

Ryanair Draws Outrage, Accusations of Racism After Making South Africans Take Test in Afrikaans

Mental Health Startup Cerebral May Have Harmed Hundreds of Patients, Leaked Documents Reveal

Chris Evans Says People Upset With Same-Gender “Lightyear” Kiss Are “Idiots”

Family Of Author Whose Article Inspired “Top Gun” Hits Paramount With Copyright Lawsuit

Key Takeaways from the Second Jan. 6 Committee Hearing

Sen. Smith Leads Effort to “Protect Access to Abortion Care Where it is Still Legal”

Chris Pratt Denies Association With Hillsong Church: “I’ve Never Actually Been”

Mental Health Startup Cerebral May Have Harmed Hundreds of Patients, Leaked Documents Reveal

Conservatives Slam Elmo For Getting Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Israel Relaxes Abortion Restrictions in Response to U.S. Supreme Court Ruling

Supreme Court Rules High School Football Coach Can Pray on Field

Jodie Sweetin Releases Statement After Getting Pushed By Officers at Pro-Choice Protest: “This Will Not Deter Us”

Uvalde Puts Police Chief on Leave, Tries to Kick Him Off City Council

Instagram Testing New Tools To Verify Users Are Over 18

Rep. Schiff Urges DOJ to Investigate Trump for Election Crimes: “There’s Enough Evidence”

Dave Chappelle Decides Against Having Former High School’s Theater Named After Him

Coward Ethan Klein Threatens Me, But I’m Not Backing Down Because I’m a Strong Boy, Amouranth & More

He Definitely Hunts People On a Private Island… Will Smith, Jeffree Star, Barry Loudermilk, & More

The Truth About Justin Bieber’s Facial Paralysis, Ryan Trahan $.01, Jan. 6 Hearings, & More

“ITS FAKE!” Conspiracy Theories Fly After Mass Arrest, Joe Rogan, John Cena, Google AI, Chris Murphy

Why The Internet is Pissed & Saying This is A Sad Day for Youtube. The Act Man v Youtube Explained

The MrBeast Scam Problem YouTube Can’t Fix, Epic Jet Ski Chase Caught on Video, & Gary…Oh Gary

GUESS WHO GOT CANCELLED! Washington Post Meltdown, Arizona Cops Watch Man Drown, Dave Chappelle, &

The Truth About Disney & Their Apology, Boris Johnson, Katie Porter Speaks Out, & More

Amber Heard Defenders Point Fingers At The Jury, Harry Styles, Michael Avenatti, Bailey Sarian, &

Johnny Depp Wins Defamation Case! Amber Heard Ordered to Pay Him $10 Million! Verdict, Reactions, &
