Selena Gomez claims that Disney “explicitly told” her to not say the phrase “What the hell?”
“I wasn’t a wild child by any means, but I was on Disney, so I had to make sure not to say ‘What the hell?’ in front of anyone,” the entertainer, 30, told Vanity Fair Wednesday for their 2023 Hollywood issue.
Selena Gomez revealed a common phrase she was “explicitly told” she couldn’t say when she was a Disney child star.Disney Channel via Getty Images
Gomez explained that she was “putting” pressure on herself to be “the best role model” she could be while starring on “Wizards of Waverly Place” as Alex Russo from 2007 to 2012.
“Now I think being the best role model is being honest, even with the ugly and complicated parts of yourself,” she shared.
The “Selena + Chef” star didn’t further elaborate on anything else Disney banned her from doing.Steven Klein/VanityFair
Gomez also clarified in the interview that after candidly describing her mental health journey in her Apple TV+ documentary, “My Mind and Me,” she’s no longer “haunted by the idea that people would always associate” her with Disney.
“I definitely feel free of it,” the “Ramona and Beezus” actress said. “Sometimes I get triggered. It’s not that I’m ashamed of my past, it’s just that I’ve worked so hard to find my own way. I don’t want to be who I was. I want to be who I am.”
The “Love You Like a Love Song” singer made headlines two years ago for saying she “signed” her “life away” to Disney.Getty Images
The “Love You Like a Love Song” singer made headlines two years ago for saying she “signed” her “life away” to Disney.WireImage
The “Lose You to Love Me” songstress has previously talked about her evolution since being a Disney star and even made headlines for saying she “signed my life away.”
“I signed my life away to Disney at a very young age and I didn’t know what I was doing,” Gomez said in August 2021. “What I’d say is the level of sophistication of the material is the first reason why I wanted to do this.”
The A-Lister has also expressed gratitude towards Disney.Getty Images
The A-Lister has also expressed gratitude towards Disney.Getty Images for Rare Beauty
The A-Lister has also expressed gratitude towards Disney.Getty Images
The A-Lister has also expressed gratitude towards Disney.Getty Images
However, shortly after the subtle shade, Gomez clarified that she was “beyond proud” of the work she had done with Disney.
“It kind of shaped who I am in a way,” the Rare Beauty founder previously said, adding that she “definitely” didn’t have any hesitation to join the cast of “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu – one of Disney’s streaming services.
Page Six has reached out to Disney for comment.
