News | Entertainment
19 Sep 2025 11:08
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Francia Raisa has received an apology from the producers of 'Saved by the Bell' after the show joked about Selena Gomez's kidney transplant

    The rebooted version of the hit sitcom was widely criticised on social media over the weekend after an episode featured two characters speculating about Selena's donor, and although Francia - who donated her organ to her pal after she suffered complications from lupus - has been in touch with the makers of the programme, she's concerned the gag may have hurt other donors


    The 32-year-old actress said on her Instagram Story: "Some of the cast and producers have reached out to me personally to apologize for this and I truly appreciate that.

    "But I do want to acknowledge that this public apology from the network should acknowledge the donors that could have been offended by this. It's not about me, it's about acknowledging the great role that donors play (sic)"

    During episode six of the reboot, two of the show's stars argued over who actually donated a kidney to Selena.

    One of the actresses said: "I know for a fact that Selena Gomez’s kidney donor was Justin Bieber‘s mom. God, I wish that I had my phone so that I could prove it."

    In response, the other said: "Prove what? That you’re an idiot? It was Demi Lovato‘s kidney. They’re best friends, like you and I were."

    During another scene, the words "Does Selena Gomez even have a kidney?" are seen written on the walls.

    The controversial scenes prompted the hashtag #RespectSelenaGomez to start trending on Twitter, with fans of the music star taking to the micro-blogging platform to express their anger.

    The show’s ex ecutive producers, Peacock and NBCUniversal subsequently issued an apology.

    They said in a statement: "We apologise. It was never our intention to make light of Selena’s health. We have been in touch with her team and will be making a donation to her charity, The Selena Gomez Fund for Lupus Research at USC."

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     19 Sep: Josh Duhamel has undergone cataract surgery
     19 Sep: Chase Chrisley checked into rehab to get help with his alcohol struggles
     19 Sep: Donald Trump is looking forward to meeting his "long-time friend" King Charles after touching down in the UK for his historic second state visit
     19 Sep: Kristin Davis was surprised by And Just Like That... coming to an end
     19 Sep: Cardi B felt "so sleepy" during her recent assault trial
     19 Sep: Mark Ruffalo has hailed Robert Redford as a "real American hero"
     19 Sep: Nina Dobrev has been left feeling "devastated" by her split from Shaun White
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Kyle Preston is happy to wait for his next opportunity to wear an All Blacks jersey More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    The economic downturn is hitting our manufacturing sector particularly hard More...



     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Josh Duhamel has undergone cataract surgery 11:01

    Tennis:
    The United States have stayed on course for a record-extending 19th Billie Jean King Cup women's tennis crown in Shenzen 10:47

    Entertainment:
    Chase Chrisley checked into rehab to get help with his alcohol struggles 10:31

    Business:
    The economic downturn is hitting our manufacturing sector particularly hard 10:27

    Environment:
    Caribbean coral reefs are running out of time to keep up with rising seas – new study 10:27

    Rugby:
    Kyle Preston is happy to wait for his next opportunity to wear an All Blacks jersey 10:27

    National:
    Instant ramen: a short history of a long noodle 10:17

    National:
    Friday essay: I loved being a ‘90s rock journalist, but sometimes it was a boys’ club nightmare 10:07

    International:
    After deadly floods in Bali, its people want answers. Many are blaming overtourism 10:07

    Entertainment:
    Donald Trump is looking forward to meeting his "long-time friend" King Charles after touching down in the UK for his historic second state visit 10:01


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd