Selena Gomez’s Ethnicity: A Celebration of Her Rich and Diverse Background

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Selena Gomez, born Selena Marie Gomez on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Tarrant, Texas, U.S., boasts a rich and diverse ethnic background. Her father is of Mexican descent, contributing to her Hispanic heritage. She’s not able to speak Spanish.

Selena’s ethnicity is primarily Italian on her mother’s side, although other ancestral influences may also exist. This blend of Mexican and Italian heritage has played a significant role in shaping her cultural identity. It has made her a relatable and influential figure for many individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Selena Gomez and her mother, Amanda DawnSelena Gomez and her mother, Amanda Dawn “Mandy” Teefey, in Los Angeles on October 19, 2008 (Credit: Stefan / INFphoto)

Selena’s mother, Amanda Dawn “Mandy” Teefey (born Amanda Dawn Cornett), was adopted by her parents, Debbie Jean Gibson and David Michael Cornett. Born in Texas, Mandy gave birth to Selena when she was just 16.

Selena’s dad, Ricardo Gomez, is of Mexican descent. His parents emigrated to Texas from Monterrey in the 1970s. Ricardo Gomez and Mandy Teefey were married for a few years and divorced when Selena was 5.

Despite choosing to live with her mother, Selena Gomez nurtured a deep bond with her Mexican heritage by spending weekends, and holidays and celebrating quinceañeras with her father.

Selena’s paternal grandparents had migrated to Texas from Monterrey, Mexico, during the 1970s, and she understands the challenges they faced, noting that it took 17 years for her grandparents to obtain citizenship in the United States.

Mandy Teefey and Selena Gomez arrive at the 2012 Vanity Fair Oscar PartyMandy Teefey and Selena Gomez arrive at the 2012 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter at Sunset Tower on February 26, 2012, in West Hollywood, California (Credit: Joe Seer / Shutterstock)

In 2006, Mandy married Brian Teefey and changed her name to Mandy Teefey. In 2013, they became the parents of Selena’s half-sister, Gracie Elliot Teefey.

In 2020, Mandy Teefey spoke with The Newsette about being the mom of a celebrity.

“It’s amazing and it makes me so proud, but fame can be hard, so I’d say it’s a little bit of both. To me, Selena is just my daughter! When you live in Hollywood, you’re in your own world. You don’t think about someone in Wisconsin knowing all your business, you know? So I want to defend her always and protect her always… At the same time, I can’t change anybody’s mind on social media, because social media is crazy! [Laughing.] So I try to stay in my lane, and stay off Instagram. Focus on the real stuff.”

Actress Selena Gomez displays her feet and legs in Jimmy Choo Valetta sandalsActress Selena Gomez displays her feet and legs in Jimmy Choo Valetta sandals at The Alliance for Children’s Rights 22nd Annual Dinner at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 7, 2014, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)

Ricardo Gomez also remarried and had two children, Victoria “Tori” and Marcus Gomez, with his second wife, Sara.

“I’ve had a sliver of dealing with [racism] growing up, especially with my dad,” Selena said in People’s “People of the Year” cover story about her Mexican ethnicity and racism.

“I’m always very vocal about my background, as far as me talking about immigration, and my grandparents having to come across the border illegally. I wouldn’t have been born (otherwise). I have such an appreciation for my last name,” she told Dazed in October 2020.

Selena Gomez participated in the inaugural YouTube Beauty Festival that premiered in May 2021Selena Gomez participated in the inaugural YouTube Beauty Festival that premiered in May 2021 (Credit: Avalon / WENN)

The Truth About Selena Gomez: Facts vs. Rumors

How much money does Selena Gomez have right now?Selena Gomez is a successful American singer, actress, producer, songwriter and social media mega-star who has a net worth of $800 million
Full Name:Selena Marie Gomez
How old is Selena Gomez?Selena Gomez, born Selena Marie Gomez on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Tarrant, Texas, U.S., and turned 31 in 2023.
Dating: Selena Gomez's romantic history includes notable relationships with Zayn Malik in 2023, The Weeknd from 2016 to 2017, Zedd in 2015, Justin Bieber from 2010 to 2018, Taylor Lautner in 2009, and Nick Jonas from 2008 to 2010.

Additionally, there have been rumors suggesting possible connections with Andrew Taggart in 2023 and Jimmy Butler in 2020.
Kids:Selena Gomez does not have any children.
Weight:Selena Gomez's fluctuating weight is due to her lupus diagnosis. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause a variety of symptoms, including inflammation, joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes. It can also affect the kidneys, lungs, and heart.
Shoe Size:Selena Gomez's shoe size in the US, which is 7.5, corresponding to a UK size of 5.5, European size of 38, Japanese size of 24.5, and Australian size of 5.5.
Is Selena Gomez short or tall?Selena Gomez's height is approximately 5 feet 4 ¾ inches (164.5 cm). In terms of height, she is considered to be of average height for a woman, neither exceptionally tall nor short.
Nationality:Selena Gomez is a United States citizen.
Source of Wealth:Most of Selena Gomez's net worth is from her highly successful makeup company, Rare Beauty.

Rare Beauty was launched in 2020, and it has quickly become one of the most popular makeup brands in the world. The brand is known for its inclusive products and its focus on mental health awareness.

Gomez has released four studio albums, all of which have reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart. She has also sold over 75 million records worldwide. She has starred in a number of films and television shows, including Wizards of Waverly Place, Spring Breakers, and Only Murders in the Building.

She has produced a number of films and television shows, including 13 Reasons Why and Selena + Chef. She has written or co-written many of her own songs, as well as songs for other artists. She is also one of the most popular celebrities on social media, with over 300 million followers on Instagram alone. She uses her platform to endorse products and promote her work.
Ethnicity:Selena Gomez comes from a diverse ethnic background. Her father is of Mexican descent, contributing to her Hispanic heritage.

On her mother's side, Selena's ethnicity is primarily Italian, but there may be other ancestral influences as well.
Was Selena Gomez adopted?No, she was not adopted. Her biological parents are Mandy Teefey and Ricardo Joel Gomez. However, Selena's mom, Mandy Teefey, was adopted.
Was Selena Gomez raised as a Jehovah's Witness?No, Selena Gomez was not raised as a Jehovah's Witness. She grew up in a Catholic household and her family attended church on Sundays.

However, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, a celebrated as a music icon, was raised in a family that practiced the Jehovah's Witness faith.

Selena Gomez shows off her size 7.5 (US) feet in Brian Atwood high heelsSelena Gomez shows off her size 7.5 (US) feet in Brian Atwood high heels (Credit: AdMedia / WENN)

Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato Reunite After Falling Out, Fans Rejoice!

Selena Gomez opted for a stylish hat by Michel Maison to give her casual outfit a bit of flairSelena Gomez opted for a stylish hat by Michel Maison to give her casual outfit a bit of flair (Credit: Rocky / WENN)

Fans of BFFs Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato must have been nostalgic after Demi uploaded their first selfie together in 2015 following their falling out in July 2014.

Back then, netizens had noticed that Demi unfollowed Selena on Instagram, which Demi later chalked up to “one of those things where people change.”

Selena Gomez wore a jacket by J Brand with a pair of Casadei pumpsSelena Gomez wore a jacket by J Brand with a pair of Casadei pumps (Credit: Rocky / WENN)

Demi was seen following and tweeting Selena again, leading to a long-awaited reunion. Demi also shared that they hadn’t seen each other since the selfie was taken due to promotional activities.

Selena Gomez's feet in pointy-toe Casadei pumpsSelena Gomez’s feet in pointy-toe Casadei pumps (Credit: Rocky / WENN)

In 2015, Selena was spotted outside ITV Studios, where she performed “Good For You” on ‘Alan Carr: Chatty Man.’

Selena Gomez wearing Casadei "Blade" stiletto pumps outside ITV Studios in LondonSelena Gomez wearing Casadei “Blade” stiletto pumps outside ITV Studios in London on September 23, 2015 (Credit: Rocky / WENN)

Selena opened up about their first meeting in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, saying that Demi is like family. Likewise, Demi shared her own version of their catch-up.

The “Good For You” singer wore a jacket by J Brand with a pair of Casadei pumps. Selena opted for a stylish hat by Michel Maison to give her casual outfit a bit of flair.

Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato starred together in the Disney Channel Original Movie “Princess Protection Program” in 2009. They also appeared on the children’s television series “Barney & Friends.”

Demi Lovato shares an adorable selfie with Selena GomezDemi Lovato shares an adorable selfie with Selena Gomez for the first time since their falling out in July 2014 (Credit: Demi Lovato’s Instagram)

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