During a recent joint interview with Colombian recording artist Ms. Karol G, actress and singer Ms. Selena Gomez, 32, experienced difficulty recalling Spanish vocabulary and inadvertently used a profane term. The exchange occurred in a segment produced for Complex and was subsequently shared via the publication’s official Instagram account on Wednesday.
In the video excerpt, the two entertainers engaged in a discussion regarding popular Spanish slang terms often referred to as “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) expressions. During the conversation, Ms. Gomez proposed a term that prompted an immediate and lighthearted correction from Ms. Karol G, 34, highlighting the unintended use of inappropriate language by the former Disney Channel star.
During the interview, Ms. Selena Gomez candidly admitted, “The only thing I remember saying is ‘c*****o’,”* referencing a Spanish-language expletive. This prompted a visibly surprised reaction from Ms. Karol G, who repeated the term aloud in response.
Ms. Gomez then began to clarify her comment, stating, “I don’t know why I thought—,” before interjecting herself with the realization, “But that’s a cuss word!”
Ms. Karol G followed with a contextual explanation, saying, *“I think that’s like, ‘Oh, !’”—to which Ms. Gomez replied with a clarifying question: “Like s?”
Following the exchange, Ms. Karol G—known for her hit “QLONA”—responded affirmatively and offered an alternative expression, stating: “So I’m gonna say like same one, but in a different way. Like ‘chingón.’ Being here with you is super chingón.”
Ms. Gomez repeated the term, to which Ms. Karol G encouragingly replied: “Chingón! Ah, you see.”
The interaction, shared in a short video on Instagram, elicited a range of responses from viewers. Some users criticized Ms. Gomez’s limited familiarity with Spanish vocabulary. One commented: “Selena don’t know what ‘c*****o’ is, omg,”* while another wrote: “Lol, that’s sad. She really never tried to get her Spanish up.”
Another user remarked: “Selena, be for real.”
However, other commenters were more supportive, expressing admiration for the collaboration between the two artists. One user wrote: “I love them together!!” while another added: “Sel saying ‘c*****o’ is so real,”* followed by a laughing emoji.
Ms. Gomez has previously faced scrutiny over her Spanish-language proficiency. In particular, she received criticism in 2023 for her Spanish performance in the Oscar-nominated musical crime film Emilia Pérez.
Although Ms. Gomez was raised in a Spanish-speaking household, she has acknowledged that she lost fluency in the language after relocating to Los Angeles in pursuit of a career in the entertainment industry.#newsafro_
