By writer to www.nbcconnecticut.com
The highly-anticipated “Saved by the Bell” reboot confronted backlash from followers of Selena Gomez after a number of clips had been shared on Twitter that seem to poke enjoyable on the singer’s kidney transplant.
Peacock, Common Tv and govt producers of the present issued a press release to TODAY following the backlash.
“We apologize. It was by no means our intention to make gentle of Selena’s well being,” the assertion learn. “Now we have been in contact together with her crew and can be making a donation to her charity, The Selena Gomez Fund for Lupus Analysis at USC.”
The controversial scenes appeared within the sixth episode of the reimagined “Saved by the Bell.” Bayside college students have their telephones taken away with no fast web entry. The scene portrays two college students arguing about popular culture with out the flexibility to have the ability to discover sources to substantiate their facet.
“I do know for a incontrovertible fact that Selena Gomez’s kidney donor was Justin Bieber’s mother,” one of many college students mentioned. “God, I want that I had my telephone so I may show it.”
“Show what? That you simply’re an fool?” the opposite pupil responded. “It was Demi Lovato’s kidney. They’re greatest mates…such as you and I had been.”
By Monday night, Peacock had edited the episode to take away the feedback about Gomez, TODAY confirmed.
“wtf is unsuitable with this present and it’s obsession with selenas well being??? that is so disgusting and pointless,” one tweet from a Gomez fan learn, sharing clips from the episode.
In a unique scene, a wall behind one of many college students seems to learn, “Does Selena Gomez also have a kidney?” in black spray paint.
“’Does Selena Gomez also have a kidney?’ That is f—ing disgusting and inappropriate,” one other fan wrote. “RESPECT SELENA GOMEZ.”
The 28-year-old first opened up about her transplant again in 2017 when she revealed that she underwent a secret surgical procedure after lupus, an autoimmune dysfunction, impaired her kidneys. Her greatest pal, fellow actor Francia Raisa, was her donor.
Raisa, 32, took to Twitter to answer the apology, writing, “Recognize the apology however let’s not overlook concerning the donors that doubtlessly felt offended and dismissed from the spray paint written on the wall.”
“As a kidney donor I need to present love and let different donors know that you’re not alone,” she added in a separate tweet. “You’re seen. You’re appreciated. You’re so courageous and your selfless act may be very a lot appreciated and valued!”
Followers flooded Twitter with help for Gomez and Raisa, even getting “Respect Selena Gomez” trending on the social media platform.
“Joking about somebody’s illness will not be humorous in anyway,” a fan wrote. “It’s simply so merciless and unjust. Selena doesn’t deserve that & nobody else deserves that both.”
“I really surprise how a few of y’all would really feel in case you had a illness or a dysfunction and folks mocked you for it and diminished what you had been going by as ‘a joke,’” one other fan added. “There’s a distinction between darkish humor and being flagrantly ignorant. Study the distinction.”
Peacock, TODAY and this station are all a part of the NBCUniversal household.
This story first appeared on TODAY.com. Extra from TODAY:
