October 13 marked a memorable evening for Selena Gomez as she left the luxurious Nobu Fifty Seven restaurant in New York City. Here, she not only received love from fans but also faced mixed reactions online after giving a homeless man a $20 bill with the suggestion, “Have a nice meal.”
Social Media Erupts with Mixed Opinions
Following this gesture, social media was ablaze with criticism that giving $20 was “stingy,” considering her wealth. Some users pointed out that $20 wouldn’t go far in New York and seemed insubstantial given her billion-dollar net worth. More cutting comments likened the $20 to “a penny split into 100 parts.”
One common opinion stated: “$20 is the price of a coffee in New York. That man is still hungry.” Others argued that, given her wealth, Selena Gomez could have easily given more without impacting her finances.
Supporters of Selena Gomez Speak Out
On the other hand, many argued that Selena didn’t deserve criticism. Her fans and others defended her action as a kind gesture, saying charitable giving shouldn’t be judged by an exact dollar amount. Some highlighted that Selena Gomez had specifically asked her bodyguard to get $20 as she didn’t carry much cash herself.
One supporter wrote: “Before commenting, ask yourself how much you would give a homeless person.” Others emphasized that many people, including celebrities, don’t carry cash, and that helping out with $20 was still a compassionate act.
Selena Gomez’s Major Charitable Contributions
Beyond this incident, Selena Gomez has been actively involved in major charitable efforts. Recently, she announced the Make A Rare Impact campaign through her beauty brand Rare Beauty to support mental health for youth. The initiative, launched for World Mental Health Day (October 10), pledges 100% of Rare Beauty’s global Sephora revenue toward the charity.
The goal of this fund is to raise $100 million to expand mental health services, showcasing Selena’s commitment to social causes.
The controversy surrounding Selena Gomez’s small gesture has sparked broader questions about how society judges celebrities’ charitable actions. Regardless of the amount given, the most important thing remains the spirit of kindness and the intent behind the action. With her ongoing contributions, Selena Gomez continues to be a positive force in supporting communities and driving social change for the better.
