In 2021, Selena Gomez returned to television with the series Only Murders in the Building, marking her first scripted role in nearly ten years since Wizards of Waverly Place. The casting of Gomez sparked mixed reactions online. Over the five seasons of the mystery comedy-drama, her portrayal of Mabel Mora, characterized by her “poker face” and “throaty voice,” received both praise and criticism. Some viewers felt it was an intentional aspect of her character, while others said it negatively impacted their enjoyment of the show.
As the show prepares for its sixth season, set to premiere on December 8, 2026, a montage of Gomez’s earlier performances gained significant attention on the internet, leading to numerous disparaging comments. Some viewers criticized her acting, calling her performance “flat as a pancake.”
Only Murders in the Building, which also stars seasoned actors Steve Martin and Martin Short, follows three characters investigating murders in their New York apartment building, the Arconia. The series has become one of Hulu’s most popular original shows and has received several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Gomez has been nominated multiple times in the Lead Actress category. Despite this, her performance as Mabel Mora continues to be debated, especially with the release of the recent video.
A major point of discussion has been her raspy voice, with some fans noting that it seemed to worsen over time. Comments included questions about her speech clarity and concerns about changes in her vocal delivery compared to her earlier performances.
On October 18, 2026, Gomez addressed the situation on Instagram, revealing that her voice had been affected by using nicotine. She shared that vaping had changed her voice significantly and urged others not to take up vaping, emphasizing that it isn’t worth the impact it can have. She mentioned that she has stopped vaping and is committed to maintaining that choice, acknowledging how challenging it can be.
Dr. Paul Kwak, an otolaryngologist, explained that long-term vaping can harm vocal health, disputing the belief that it is less damaging than smoking. He provided insight into how vaping might lead to lasting changes in a person’s voice.
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