Billionaire Selena Gomez gets called out after people noticed how little she gave a homeless man

People look up to celebrities and get inspired by them, but this attention also means that they face scrutiny over every action. There are artists who are known for their generosity, but while most are hailed for their massive donations, Selena Gomez is facing flak for her little contribution. It happened last year when Selena Gomez gave a modest tip to a homeless guy and raised eyebrows on the internet. The 'Only Murders in the Building' star was spotted leaving Nobu Fifty Seven, a high-end restaurant when she handed the man $20 before stepping into her blacked-out SUV. Paparazzi captured the moment, and soon people on the internet shared their two cents on her actions.

Gomez’s gesture sparked a debate among fans—while some appreciated the act of kindness, others questioned whether $20 was enough, as reported by Parade. One X (formerly Twitter) user, @SuiGenerisAbbie, commented, "Selena darling, $20 will not buy much more than a hotdog in The NYC! (Jeeeez Louise!) In order to give anyone a good meal at a nice restaurant, why NOT just give him (or her) TWO nice, crisp $100 bills? Then again, make that THREE!" Another person, @Reinald14926727, wrote, "I’M REALLY POOR, AND I SHARE WHAT I GOT, SHES BILLIONAIRE, THIS IS A PR STUNT, BILLIONAIRES DOESNT GIVE A S ABOUT POOR HOMELESS PEOPLE."

Then user @nic_ly1028, chimed in, "Just 20? I mean a nice and generous gesture, but 20 these days don’t by much. She could have afforded to give him a little more." However, many Gomez fans also defended the star and one of them was @AnnetteFomingu1, who wrote, "The big mouths that talk a lot and criticize wouldn’t have given him a dime. Millionaires, or people in general, rarely use cash-only cards. She could have kept on walking and ignored him. She did more than many. Your great Selena." Joining the chorus, @PhilliDouglas commented, "I'm not a fan, but she fine to give whatever she wants. It's her money. Y'all mind your finances; you might have a billion dollars someday."

With a reported net worth of $1.3 billion, as reported by Bloomberg, Gomez has built an empire that extends far beyond the music and film industries. Unlike her close friend Taylor Swift—who reached billionaire status through record-breaking tours and albums, Gomez’s fortune comes from a diverse mix of business ventures, along with her massive social media following. The crown jewel among them is Rare Beauty, the cosmetics brand she launched a few years ago. In addition to that she has lucrative brand deals, acting projects, and a mental health startup, behind her financial success that could sustain her even if she ever chooses to step away from the spotlight.

Before starting a successful solo career, the Disney star first gained popularity as the lead singer of the pop-rock group Selena Gomez & the Scene. After releasing several studio albums and songs, she received two Grammy nominations and went on to win an American Music Award in 2016. Her acting career also quickly took off after she starred in films such as 'Spring Breakers' and 'A Rainy Day in New York.'