How Selena Gomez’s Kidney Donor, Francia Raisa, Feels About the Singer’s Wedding After Invite Controversy
Selena Gomez’s life was forever changed in 2017, when her close friend and actor Francia Raisa donated one of her kidneys to help Gomez battle serious complications from the autoimmune disease lupus. The operation was a major turning point. Later, Gomez said that at one moment she felt her kidneys were “just done,” and that Raisa’s generosity was the only thing that gave her a chance. Over the years, Gomez has consistently expressed deep and enduring gratitude. But recent media speculation surfaced over whether Raisa was invited to Gomez’s September 2025 wedding to Benny Blanco. Here’s how Raisa addressed the rumors.
Francia Raisa said she’s ‘very happy’ for Selena Gomez in a recent interview, referencing the wedding
Selena Gomez’s friendship with Francia Raisa has been one of Hollywood’s most talked-about bonds. In 2017, Raisa made the life-saving decision to donate one of her kidneys to Gomez, who was battling lupus-related complications. The transplant not only saved Gomez’s life but also became a powerful symbol of friendship and sacrifice. However, in the years since, their relationship has seen ups and downs. Rumors of tension surfaced as both women pursued their own paths. Despite public speculation, both have expressed continued respect for one another.
In 2025, Gomez married Benny Blanco in a lavish wedding. Fans wondered whether the star invited Raisa. In an interview between Raisa and reporter Magaly Ortiz posted to Reddit, Raisa addressed Gomez’s wedding and noted that no matter what, she’s grateful to have been able to help her friend.
“I know she’s getting married,” Francia said, “and I’m very happy for her.”
“She has a life and she is already a billionaire, and I am grateful that I could do that for her,” Raisa said, according to Page Six.
“Look, from the beginning, the doctors told me, it’s a donation,” she continued. “If you are going to donate a dollar to St. Jude or somewhere else, you’re not going to call to say, ‘Hey, what are you doing with my dollar?’ It’s a donation, and it’s something nice that I was able to do. I am grateful that I am alive, and I can say that I have saved a life.”
Francia Raisa’s social media comment in the past raised eyebrows
In a 2022 interview with Rolling Stone, Selena Gomez made a statement that caught a lot of people by surprise. “My only friend in the industry really is Taylor [Swift],” she said. Gomez said this while reflecting on feeling like she never quite fit in with other celebrity peers, noting she felt surrounded by people “living full lives,” yet struggling with her own identity and whether those material trappings brought her happiness.
Raisa left a now-deleted comment of “Interesting” under an Instagram post quoting Gomez’s line. Fans saw this as a subtle rebuke, or at least a sign that the comment stung. Around the same time, social media observers noted that Raisa no longer followed Gomez on Instagram. Gomez later addressed the backlash, saying, “Sorry I didn’t mention every person I know,” in response to posts and speculation that she had excluded Raisa from her story, according to Vanity Fair.
Several fans believe Selena Gomez should’ve invited the actor to the wedding
Selena Gomez and Francia Raisa might not have retained the close friendship they once had. However, several fans believe Raisa should’ve received a wedding invitation, given the sacrifice she made for Gomez.
“This is how I know I’m petty as f*** because if I gave someone my organ, I’m getting a wedding invitation, a fan on Reddit reacted.
“This feels like a very polite PR answer, and I’m bummed she has to be put in this position,” another Reddit user commented in response to Raisa’s answer.
Others, however, defended Gomez.
“Don’t give your friend a kidney because you expect to be friends forever,” another fan wrote. “People grow apart and nothing can prevent that.”
For more news and exclusive interviews, follow Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s Instagram.
