The 23-year-old singer got candid about why her medical condition forced her to spend some time out of the spotlight.
Selena Gomez is finally ready to open up about the surprising medical diagnosis that forced her to take a break from making music.
Speaking with Billboard, the 23-year-old pop star revealed that she had been diagnosed with lupus, and even took serious measures to fight it.
"I was diagnosed with lupus, and I’ve been through chemotherapy,"Gomez explained. "That’s what my break was really about. I could've had a stroke."
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Gomez’s time out of the spotlight sparked rumors, at the time, thatshe was dealing with substance abuse issues, which the “Good For You” singer found particularly offensive.
"I wanted so badly to say, 'You guys have no idea. I'm in chemotherapy. You're assholes,'" Gomez recounted. "I locked myself away until I was confident and comfortable again."
Gomez didn't elaborate on when she underwent chemotherapy or what physical effects she experienced in the wake of the serious diagnosis.
Yet despite the difficulties of treatment and misinformation about her time away, Selena says that there is a silver lining to the anger she feels being the subject of speculation, scandal and scrutiny -- it’s made her work even harder.
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"I'm so f**king nice to everybody, and everyone is so vile to me,” she said. “I’ve been working since I was 7. I’ve been a UNICEF ambassador since I was 17. It’s so disappointing that I’ve become a tabloid story.”
The frustrations led to the creation of her new album, Revival, which she will tour for in the spring. "The hate motivated me," she admitted.
Gomez’s new album hits shelves Oct. 9, and she’s ready for it -- but also a little apprehensive. “2 days until REVIVAL ... Officially nervous/relieved,” she wrote on Instagram on Wednesday.
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