In 2017, How I Met Your Father star, Francia Raisa donated one of her kidneys to Selena Gomez as she battled the autoimmune and inflammatory disease, lupus. For those who don't know, the illness can cause kidney disease which in some cases can lead to organ failure.
Following the transplant - which was a success - the singer revealed on Instagram that she had withdrawn from social media and public events in the months prior due to the surgery. The post in question showed both Gomez and Raisa lying side by side in hospital beds holding hands post-operation, while the singer publicly thanked the actor for giving her "the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney."
"There aren’t words to describe how I can possibly thank my beautiful friend Francia Raisa... I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much sis," she wrote at the time.
However, last year, rumours began circulating that the pair had had a falling out after Gomez referred to Taylor Swift as her "only friend in the industry." This theory then led to fans speculating that Raisa hadn't actually consented to the kidney donation but rather was put in an awkward position to save her friend.
Fast-forward to 2023, and Raisa has now addressed these claims while speaking on a recent episode of the Good Guys podcast. "No one forced me to do anything. It came out of the genuine kindness of my heart, and I've been super blessed ever since," she confirmed.
She also firmly stated that "there's no beef" between her and Gomez either. Just last week, the Calm Down singer posted a birthday tribute to Raisa on Instagram, which also suggested that the friends are on good terms.
"Happiest of birthdays to this special human being. No matter where life takes us, I love you," she penned.
Sophie Williams is a Freelance Journalist and Copywriter, covering everything from Fashion to Entertainment to music, Lifestyle and Features. She has interviewed a range of musical artists and authors including Alyssa Edwards, Courtney Barnett, Confidence Man, The Vaccines, Loyle Carner, Gabrielle, and John Niven, and has written for publications like Metro, Reader's Digest, ITV's Woo! and Vice’s NBGA. She is also working on a book for HarperCollins about Taylor Swift, due to be published in 2024.
