Selena Gomez Says Fans Want to 'Freeze' Her in Her 2016 Era

Selena Gomez is well aware that the internet remains completely fixated on her mid-2010s aesthetic, but she is ready to move forward. The singer and actress recently addressed the overwhelming nostalgia surrounding her style from nearly a decade ago, admitting that while throwback posts can be entertaining, the fan obsession can get a little heavy. Speaking in a cover story interview with *People*, the former Disney star reflected on how frequently social media users resurrect photos and video clips of her looks from 2016. That specific year remains a fan-favorite period for her signature beauty choices, particularly her heavy smoky eye makeup. ## Why are fans obsessed with Selena Gomez in 2016? For years, fans across platforms like TikTok and Instagram have celebrated Gomez's 2016 fashion and glam choices, framing it as one of her most iconic pop-culture eras. However, the *Only Murders in the Building* actress confessed that looking back on that period brings up complicated memories. According to Gomez, the public's desire to relive that chapter feels like an effort to trap her in the past. She noted that while looking at old throwbacks is fun, supporters tend to get remarkably intense about that specific timeframe, suggesting people seem eager to freeze her at that exact point in her life. ## What did Selena Gomez say about her throwback style? Addressing her famous makeup looks from a decade ago, the cosmetics mogul explained that her bold aesthetic was simply a result of trying to look cool at the time. She added that behind the polished red carpet appearances and viral beauty moments, 2016 was actually an extremely hectic chapter in her personal and professional life. Since that period, the multi-hyphenate star has expanded her empire significantly, launching her own successful cosmetics brand alongside her ongoing television work on *Only Murders in the Building* and the *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place* franchise. While fans may still pine for her 2016 glam, Gomez is focused on embracing her current chapter alongside partner Benny Blanco and showing that growth looks far better than staying frozen in time.