Selena Gomez Opens Up on the Media 'Killing' Her as Says She's Taken Back Control of Her Own Story

Selena Gomez released her latest album, Rare, in January, the first one she's dropped in five years. In a captivating discussion with Interview, comedian Amy Schumer interviewed the singer about being a tabloid fixation, social media usage, her physical and emotional health, and even what she had for breakfast.

While discussing her history as someone whose private life is ever-present in the media, Gomez told Schumer that her frankness on the subject comes as the result of new-found strength. The singer explained, "I had to start opening up because people were taking away my narrative and it was killing me. I'm so young and I'm going to keep changing, and no one has the right to tell me how my life's going."

The "Lose You To Love Me" singer added, "What has kept me afloat is that I know eventually it'll be someone else—and I don't mean that in a negative way. Sometimes it's been bad for my career, but other times it's like, ‘Now I can talk about things like my depression and anxiety, things that I've struggled with and which I'm totally open about, because I believe in seeking help.'"

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At just 27, @selenagomez is a global pop star, a tabloid fixture, a documentary and TV producer—and a philanthropist who has shifted her attention to coronavirus relief efforts. Following a well-documented struggle with mental and physical health, she has returned stronger than ever with the cathartic and confessional “Rare,” her third number-one album, and as she tells her friend @amyschumer in our new Spring Issue, she is done letting people control her narrative. Tap the link in our bio for the full story.⁣⁣ ⁣ Photographed by @elirusselllinnetz and styled by @melzy917.

A post shared by Interview Magazine (@interviewmag) on Apr 13, 2020 at 6:07am PDT

Speaking about making music, Gomez described a cathartic experience. "When I'm recording the album, I feel safe. I'm in a bubble, working on things I have full control over," she explained. "Or if I'm on a set, we're all just kind of isolated together. That's definitely what I enjoy."

She also added that she hopes to broaden her influence beyond the scope of the music and entertainment industry. "I love music so much, but there are different stories I want to tell," Sel stated, adding, "I want to talk about important things. I want the stupid questions about things that nobody cares about to eventually stop. Ask me questions about stuff that matters." The candid article is really eye-opening, even funny at times, and you can check out the full interview here.