Challenges in the Life of Selena Gomez in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Selena Gomez. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Selena Gomez is an American actress, singer, songwriter, producer, and businesswoman. She started as a child actress on Barney & Friends and gained prominence as Alex Russo on Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place. Gomez signed with Hollywood Records in 2008 and formed Selena Gomez & the Scene, releasing three albums: Kiss & Tell, A Year Without Rain, and When the Sun Goes Down.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1992: Resurgence of Woody Allen Allegations

In 1992, sexual abuse allegations against Woody Allen resurfaced, prompting Selena Gomez to donate over $1 million to the Time's Up initiative, exceeding her salary from the film A Rainy Day in New York.

2012: Lupus Diagnosis

Sometime between 2012 and early 2014, Selena Gomez was diagnosed with lupus.

December 2013: Cancellation of Stars Dance Tour and Hiatus

In December 2013, Selena Gomez canceled the Australian and Asian legs of her Stars Dance Tour, citing a need to take a hiatus and spend time with her family.

2013: Starring in Getaway and Executive Producer for Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex

In 2013, Selena Gomez starred in the action thriller "Getaway" and served as executive producer and starred in the television special "The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex" on the Disney Channel. "Getaway" was a critical and commercial failure.

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January 2014: Rehab at Dawn at The Meadows

In January 2014, it was reported that Selena Gomez had spent two weeks at Dawn at The Meadows, a treatment center in Wickenburg, Arizona. Her representative stated that she had spent time there "voluntarily [...] but not for substance abuse".

2014: Lupus Diagnosis

Sometime between 2012 and early 2014, Selena Gomez was diagnosed with lupus.

2015: Lupus Diagnosis

In 2015, Selena Gomez confirmed that she had been diagnosed with lupus and that she entered rehab to undergo chemotherapy after canceling the Stars Dance tour in 2013.

August 2016: Cancellation of Revival Tour

In August 2016, Selena Gomez canceled the European and South America legs of her Revival Tour due to anxiety, panic attacks, and depression caused by her lupus.

2016: Rehab and American Music Awards

In 2016, Selena Gomez rechecked into rehab to focus on her mental health, became the most followed person on Instagram, won Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist at the American Music Awards, and was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list.

September 2017: Kidney Transplant Revelation

In September 2017, Selena Gomez revealed on Instagram that she had withdrawn from public events to receive a kidney transplant from actress and friend Francia Raisa.

2018: Psychosis episode

In 2018, Selena Gomez experienced an episode of psychosis.

April 2020: Bipolar Disorder Revelation

In April 2020, Selena Gomez revealed she has bipolar disorder.

October 2022: COVID-19 diagnosis

In October 2022, Selena Gomez had to cancel her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon after testing positive for COVID-19.

November 2022: Psychosis revelation

In November 2022, Selena Gomez revealed she had experienced an episode of psychosis in 2018.

September 2024: Inability to have children naturally

In September 2024, Selena Gomez revealed her inability to have children naturally due to her health issues and expressed her desire to explore surrogacy or adoption.