Following mass speculation regarding her 'new voice', Selena Gomez has spoken out.
It's no exaggeration to say that the much-loved actress has endured her fair share of health rumours over the years - many of which she's confirmed, and many she's been forced to shut down.
What we do know, given that the 33-year-old has addressed these woes herself, is that Gomez was diagnosed with the chronic autoimmune disease lupus in her early 20s, and underwent a kidney transplant in 2017 due to lupus-related kidney damage.
Speaking to Vanity Fair last year, the Wizards of Waverley Place star also claimed her poor health had affected her ability to become pregnant, claiming she would never be able to carry her own children.
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It's not just physical health battles that Gomez has endured over the years; she's also spoken candidly about her bipolar disorder diagnosis.
Discussing her decision to lift the lid on her wellbeing, she explained during a Women in Film dinner speech: "I truly believe there is power in being vulnerable and telling everyone you need help, everyone you want help."
It recent months, however, it's Gomez' voice that has been subjected to hot debates in the press - as well as amongst fans - with critics claiming it has changed over time in with tone, speed and pronunciation.
"It’s so nasally I don’t remember it being THIS nasally," one Reddit user hit out.
Another claimed: "I assumed it was from a nose job or some kind of cosmetic surgery on her face."
A third added: "I couldn't stop noticing that her voice is wavy... also slightly wobbly and robotic. It is so difficult to ignore once you notice it."
Some fans were quick to suggest that any amendments to her voice could have been caused by her ailing health, given that lupus can cause inflammation and tissue damage, including to the vocal cords and lungs, as per Healthline.
This week, however, Gomez has finally attempted to shut down online discussions for once and for good.
Filming an Instagram Live, without referencing lupus specifically, the brunette beauty claimed her her throat can sometimes swell up, causing her voice to sound different to the usual.
"There is no excuse, I don't really care," Gomez insisted. "I think my point is that sometimes things happen and my throat kind of swells in the inside sometimes. That's all."
Responding to queries over her voice in the comments of the live, she went on to claim: "I'm glad you'll being real with me on the Live.
"I appreciate it for real."
In response to the revelation, a number of fans have since heaped the TV star in praise.
"I’m glad she cleared this up bc we all grew up knowing her voice then there was this drastic switch and then ppl were making up all types of. Hope she gets better," one wrote on social media.
"Love how honest and open she is Selena addressing it herself with grace and confidence — that’s real strength. Always rooting for her," another gushed.
A third went on: "I love her so much She shouldn’t have to explain s**t. People are so mean for no reason."
Topics: Celebrity, Selena Gomez, US News, Health, Mental Health, Social Media
Rhianna Benson