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However, the response to Gomez’s heartfelt outburst was swift and largely negative. Critics pointed out that Gomez’s claim of standing up for “her people” was disputed, given her relatively distant cultural connection. Her parents were born in the United States of Mexican and Italian descent, respectively, and Gomez herself has limited Spanish fluency.
Many questioned the sincerity of her emotions, especially after her quick decision to delete the video less than an hour later. The deletion fueled suspicion that her display might have been more performative than heartfelt—perhaps an attempt to garner favor with the Mexican community or to repair her tarnished image, following criticism of her role in a controversial film.