Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s wedding was one of the most talked-about celebrity events of the year. The star-studded ceremony drew attention for its glamorous guest list and intimate details. However, amid the excitement, many fans noticed that a longtime friend of Gomez, actress Francia Raísa, was not seen at the event.
This absence quickly became a major talking point online, particularly because of the pair’s long history and their well-documented friendship over the years.
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s Star-Studded Wedding
Selena Gomez, known worldwide for her music and acting career, married fellow musician Benny Blanco in a private yet highly publicized ceremony. According to multiple entertainment outlets, the wedding guest list included a number of A-list celebrities.
Among the guests were Taylor Swift, Martin Short, Steve Martin (her co-stars from Only Murders in the Building), Ed Sheeran, Paris Hilton, Paul Rudd, Cara Delevingne, and Zoe Saldaña. Approximately 170 friends and family members joined the celebration, making it one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings of the year.
While the event was full of familiar faces, fans were quick to notice that Francia Raísa — a figure who once played a significant role in Gomez’s life — was not spotted at the wedding.
Who Is Francia Raísa?
Francia Raísa is an actress best known for her roles in The Secret Life of the American Teenager and Grown-ish. She has been friends with Selena Gomez for well over a decade. Their friendship became widely known in 2017 when Raísa donated a kidney to Gomez during the singer’s battle with complications from lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease.
In interviews and social media posts, both women publicly acknowledged the significance of the transplant. Gomez described the donation as “the ultimate gift and sacrifice,” while Raísa shared that the decision came from the “genuine kindness” of her heart. Their story received global media attention and was seen as a powerful example of friendship.
Fans Notice Francia’s Absence
During and after the wedding, fans closely followed posts and updates on social media. Some noticed that Francia Raísa appeared to be in Los Angeles on the day of the ceremony. She shared Instagram stories of herself dancing on the streets with choreographer Sasha Farber, known from Dancing With the Stars.
This led to widespread speculation on social media about whether she had been invited to the wedding. Some fans posted comments on her Instagram questioning her absence, while others expressed their own opinions on the situation.
It’s important to note, however, that neither Selena Gomez nor Francia Raísa has made any public statement confirming whether an invitation was extended or declined. Official guest lists released by certain publications did not include her name, but only Gomez and Raísa themselves could clarify the situation.
A Long and Public Friendship
Selena Gomez and Francia Raísa met in 2007 at a children’s hospital event and developed a close friendship. They often referred to each other as “sisters” in public interviews and social media posts. Their bond became especially significant in 2017, when Gomez’s health issues related to lupus required a kidney transplant. Raísa was tested, found to be a match, and chose to donate her kidney.
After the surgery, Gomez shared a photo on Instagram of them lying in adjacent hospital beds holding hands. The image quickly became viral, and both women received widespread praise for their openness and courage.
Reported Tensions and Public Speculation
In the years following the transplant, public speculation about their friendship surfaced multiple times, often driven by comments on social media or perceived slights.
In 2022, fans noticed that Raísa was not mentioned in Gomez’s Apple TV+ documentary My Mind & Me, which chronicled her health journey and career. Raísa later stated in interviews that they did not speak for about a year after the documentary’s release, explaining that she needed space during that period.
In another interview, Raísa also addressed online rumors, stating in 2023 that there was “no beef” between the two. Around that time, they appeared to reconcile publicly. Gomez posted a heartfelt birthday message for Raísa on Instagram, and Raísa attended a benefit event for Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund, suggesting their friendship had improved.
Francia Raísa’s Public Statements About the Donation
Francia Raísa has been candid in interviews about her kidney donation. Speaking on the Good Guys podcast in 2023, she emphasized that the decision was entirely voluntary and rooted in genuine care for Gomez.
“No one forced me to do anything,” she said, adding that the decision came from kindness and friendship. Raísa also reflected on how the experience changed her life and how grateful she was to be able to help a friend in need.
The Current Status of Their Friendship
While fans continue to analyze their relationship, neither Selena Gomez nor Francia Raísa has confirmed any personal issues related to the wedding guest list. Over the years, their friendship has had public highs and lows, often amplified by social media discussions.
As of their most recent interactions in 2023, the two appeared to be on good terms. They were seen spending time together, getting spray tans, and revisiting some of their favorite spots. Raísa mentioned in interviews that she was glad to reconnect with Gomez after a period of distance.
Social Media’s Role in Amplifying Speculation
This situation highlights how celebrity friendships are often scrutinized closely by fans and media alike. While noticing the absence of a friend at a major event may seem simple, the speculation that follows can quickly grow, especially on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Without direct confirmation from the individuals involved, most of the narratives surrounding Raísa’s absence remain unverified fan speculation. Both Selena Gomez and Francia Raísa have chosen not to comment publicly on this specific situation, which makes it important to distinguish between confirmed information and online assumptions.
Conclusion
Selena Gomez and Francia Raísa share a history that captured worldwide attention when Raísa donated a kidney to Gomez during a critical period in 2017. Their friendship has seen both deeply personal moments and public scrutiny, often driven by social media commentary.
Francia Raísa’s absence from Gomez’s wedding to Benny Blanco was noticed by fans, leading to speculation about the current status of their relationship. However, there has been no official statement from either party regarding invitations or their personal dynamic at the time of the wedding.
Their friendship has evolved over more than a decade, with periods of closeness, distance, and apparent reconciliation. For now, the details surrounding Raísa’s absence remain private.
Sources:
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People Magazine (interviews with Selena Gomez and Francia Raísa, 2017–2023)
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Good Guys Podcast (Francia Raísa interview, 2023)
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Apple TV+ Documentary: My Mind & Me (2022)
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Social media posts by Francia Raísa and Selena Gomez (Instagram, 2023)
