Belinda Backs Selena Gomez After Eugenio Derbez’s Spanish Critique Goes Viral
Selena Gomez has always embraced challenges, but her response to Eugenio Derbez’s harsh critique of her Spanish in Emilia Pérez proves she’s also unshakable. When Derbez, a veteran in the industry, labeled Gomez’s Spanish-speaking performance as “indefensible” on a podcast, the Only Murders in the Building star didn’t stay silent. Instead, she answered with class, humility, and an unwavering commitment to her work.
Eugenio Derbez Calls Selena Gomez’s Spanish Performance “Indefensible”
The drama unfolded after Eugenio Derbez appeared on the Hablando de Cine podcast and aired his grievances about Gomez’s performance in Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Derbez claimed that during her scenes, viewers were left asking, “Wow, what is this?”
He went on to criticize her Spanish, arguing that it lacked nuance due to her limited fluency in the language. The CODA actor even suggested the audience’s admiration for the film was due to their reliance on subtitles, saying, “If they don’t speak Spanish, they can’t tell.”
Derbez also raised concerns about the French director’s ability to understand the nuances of Mexican culture, which added fuel to his critique of Gomez’s role. “It’s like if I wanted to make a film in Russian without knowing the culture,” he said, as reported by People.
Selena Gomez’s Graceful Response to Derbez’s Remarks
Selena Gomez, who spent six months learning Spanish for the role, didn’t let Derbez’s comments go unanswered. According to a clip shared on TikTok, she addressed the criticism with a direct yet composed statement:
“I understand where you are coming from. I’m sorry. I did the best I could with the time I was given. Doesn’t take away from how much work and heart I put into this movie.”
She also defended her fans, responding to Derbez’s suggestion that their support for her was part of the problem. “Do not ever say my fans are the problem standing up, as you say, for me,” she wrote.
Belinda Lends Her Support to Selena Gomez
Amid the controversy, Mexican singer Belinda came forward to show her unwavering support for Gomez. Taking to Instagram, Belinda shared a heartfelt message calling out the negativity Gomez faced.
“I almost never give my opinion, I don’t talk about anything or anyone, but I just saw this video, and I find it regrettable that someone would speak so coldly about the work and effort of such a talented and admirable woman like Selena Gomez,” Belinda wrote.
“I loved the movie and her performance. I’m aware of all the effort she made. We need to be a bit more empathetic with the comments we make, as they can hurt people’s feelings. We are vulnerable, and words should be used with more care.
Selena Gomez, maybe this message won’t reach you, but congratulations on all you’ve accomplished in your career. There are millions of us who love everything you do. You are a Queen!”
Belinda’s public support added weight to the growing sentiment that Derbez’s comments were less about constructive critique and more about tearing down someone who’s breaking boundaries.
Why Eugenio Derbez’s Comments Miss the Mark
Derbez’s critique of Gomez’s Spanish performance overlooks a fundamental truth: Selena Gomez never claimed to be fluent. In fact, she’s been open about her language journey, telling NPR that she lost her fluency after moving to California as a child. “That’s kind of the case for a lot of people, especially Mexican American people,” she said. Despite this, she embraced the challenge, dedicating herself to honoring her roots.
Gomez’s performance has been celebrated as a transformative step for Latina representation in Hollywood. According to People, Emilia Pérez received a standing ovation at Cannes, earning her a Best Actress nod alongside co-stars Karla Sofía Gascón and Zoe Saldaña. Critics and audiences alike praised her courage in taking on such a demanding role.
As artistically accomplished as Derbez may be, his comments fail to acknowledge the significance of Gomez’s effort to reconnect with her heritage—a journey many Mexican Americans share. His critique felt less like constructive feedback and more like gatekeeping.
Selena Gomez Is Breaking Barriers While Eugenio Derbez Focuses on Flaws
While Derbez nitpicks Gomez’s Spanish, it’s worth noting her broader impact on the entertainment industry. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Gomez recently received the Equity in Entertainment Award for her commitment to representation. During her acceptance speech, she reflected on her responsibility as a role model for young Latinas: “I’m very proud of who I am. I may not be fluent, but that doesn’t make me less proud or less Mexican.”
What This Means for Representation in Hollywood
The Emilia Pérez controversy underscores a larger issue in Hollywood: the double standards placed on women of color who dare to take creative risks. Gomez’s response highlights the importance of prioritizing effort, intention, and heart over perfection.
As Gomez told Entertainment Weekly, “It’s about what my last name has always meant to me: it’s my family. It’s everything that’s a part of me.”
The Lesson Here: Support, Don’t Criticize
While Eugenio Derbez apologized for his “indefensible” comments, the damage was already done. His remarks reinforced the barriers Latina actresses often face, especially those working to reclaim their cultural identity. Gomez’s journey shows that representation isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about showing up, taking risks, and creating space for others.