Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 8, 2025 · Entertainment

Francia Raisa Breaks Silence: The Untold Story Behind Her Kidney Donation to Selena Gomez

Francia Raisa, the actress who gave Selena Gomez a new lease on life by donating a kidney to her, is speaking out about rumors of a feud between the two; pictured in August 2024 in LA

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Francia Raisa Sets the Record Straight on Selena Gomez Feud Rumors

In a candid conversation with TheScholarlyNote.com, actress and former kidney donor Francia Raisa has finally addressed the rumors surrounding her friendship with Selena Gomez. The 37-year-old actress, who donated one of her kidneys to the pop star in 2017, is speaking out about the recent feud allegations and setting the record straight on what really went down.

Francia Raisa: No Beef with Selena Gomez

The 37-year-old actress was featured in a new interview in which she claimed that reports of her falling out with Gomez were just 'rumors.' However, Raisa appears not to have attended Gomez's wedding to Benny Blanco

In an interview that was filmed at a bookstore event, Raisa wished Gomez well ahead of her wedding to music producer Benny Blanco. "I know she's getting married, and I'm very happy for her," she said in Spanish, according to translated subtitles. "She has a life, she's already a billionaire, and I'm grateful that I could do that for her."

When asked about the rumors surrounding their friendship, Raisa politely but firmly shut down any speculation of a feud. "Look, from the beginning, the doctors told me it was a donation," she explained. "It's not like we're creating some special bond with each other. If you donate to St. Jude or somewhere else, you don't call them up and ask what they're doing with your dollar."

Raisa also touched on the topic of organ donation, emphasizing that it's about saving someone's life, not making a lifelong connection. "I am grateful that I am alive, and I can say that I have saved a life," she said, proudly displaying her C-section-like scar.

In 2017, Raisa donated a kidney to Gomez, who required one due to damage to her organs caused by the autoimmune disease lupus.

The Dark Side of Organ Donation

In 2017, Raisa donated one of her kidneys to Gomez after the pop star was diagnosed with lupus. However, the procedure nearly took Gomez's life when an artery burst during surgery, leaving both women battling depression in its aftermath. "It's going to be hard," a social worker had warned Raisa before the surgery. "The recipient is going to glow and recover faster than you because they need it, but you'll be losing something you don't have to lose."

Raisa recalled that she and Gomez both struggled with depression after the procedure. "We both went through a depression," she said, her voice filled with emotion.

'Look, from the beginning the doctors told me, it's a donation,' Raisa said in the interview. 'If you are going to donate a dollar to St. Jude or somewhere else, you're not going to call to say,

Francia Raisa: No Hard Feelings

When asked about reports of a feud between the two women, Raisa's response was icy cold. "Well, right now what you're asking me is nonsense that has been in the media, and there are too many rumors," she said. "I've never said anything. I wasn't even aware of those rumors when they came out."

Raisa also revealed that she wasn't even invited to Gomez's wedding, citing a busy schedule as the reason for her absence. However, sources close to the actress claim that it was more than just a scheduling conflict.

Raisa and Gomez previously revealed their scars from the donation procedure. Gomez also has one on the inside of her thigh from emergency surgery to save her life after one of her arteries burst during the procedure

Francia Raisa: A True Friend

In a rare display of vulnerability, Raisa opened up about the true meaning of friendship and organ donation. "One day, maybe we'll address [the rumors]," she said, hinting at a possible future conversation with Gomez.

When asked about her relationship with Gomez's other celebrity friends, Raisa admitted that they didn't have the same level of closeness. However, when it comes to Gomez, Raisa's loyalty and dedication are unwavering.

Raisa denied reports that she had been angry with Gomez due to allegedly not treating her body properly after the donation, calling them 'rumors.' She added: 'No one knows what's going on, and neither she nor I are talking about it'

Selena Gomez: A Billionaire in Distress?

Gomez's comments in a 2022 Rolling Stone interview sparked rumors of a feud between the two women. In the interview, Gomez claimed that her only friend in the industry was Taylor Swift. "Interesting," Raisa wrote in response to the post.

However, when questioned about the alleged feud, Raisa stood firm: "No one knows what's going on, and neither she nor I are talking about it."

Raisa and Gomez have apparently been frosty toward each other in recent years. In 2022, Raisa was apparently upset after Gomez called Taylor Swift her only industry friend in a Rolling Stone interview; seen in 2023 in LA

Both actress tamped down speculation about a feud in 2023, but Raisa admitted that she and Gomez hadn't spoken much in recent years, though she said they had recently gotten close again

'I know she's getting married, and I'm very happy for her. And look... she has a life and she is already a billionaire and I am grateful that I could do that for her,' Raisa said in the new interview