Francia Raisa sparkles in a silver gown as she supports Selena Gomez at charity gala – after duo reconciled following feud rumors over THAT kidney donation
Francia Raisa showed up in Los Angeles on Wednesday in support of her friend Selena Gomez – having recently reconciled following years of speculation that they had repeatedly argued following Gomez’s 2017 kidney transplant.
Raisa donated her kidney to save the life of the Disney Channel star, 31, who suffered from organ damage at age 24 as a result of her lupus diagnosis.
There were rumors that Raisa felt like she was “forced” to go through with it and that she didn’t agree with Gomez’s lifestyle choices after the transplant.
Tensions also seemed to rise when Gomez told the story Rolling stone last year that Taylor Swift – and not Raisa – was her only friend in Hollywood.
For Wednesday’s star-studded gala honoring Gomez’s Rare Impact Foundation, the Secret Life Of The American Teenager star, 35, dazzled in a silver one-shoulder dress.
It featured a mermaid-style design that hugged her sensational curves and intricate beading that sparkled under the red carpet lights.
Supportive: Francia Raisa showed up in support of her friend Selena Gomez in Los Angeles on Wednesday – having recently reconciled following years of speculation that they had repeatedly argued following Gomez’s 2017 kidney transplant
Raisa’s hair was styled in a chic bun, with chunks of money left out to frame her heart-shaped face.
She wore a bright white manicure and opted for a silver eyeshadow look with a nude lip for the night.
Raisa met Gomez in 2007 and they developed a close bond, later attending a number of red carpet events together.
At the time of the kidney transplant in 2017, Gomez shared a photo of the two lying in hospital beds and giving each other cheerful looks.
Gomez publicly thanked her “for donating her kidney to me” and shared how “incredibly blessed” she felt after finding her a donor.
To honor Raisa’s incredible sacrifice, they all had the date of surgery tattooed.
However, they had a precarious relationship in the years that followed, at one point arguing for months.
Rumors swirled that Francia was upset that Gomez was partying after the transplant – with her father claiming earlier this year that ‘Francia told Selena she didn’t give her the kidney so she could go out and drink.’
Raisa allegedly confronted Gomez about her “unhealthy choices,” which led to an argument.
But they reconciled in late 2018 after Gomez suffered a nervous breakdown and checked herself into a facility.
Tensions flared in late 2022 when the Monte Carlo actress told Rolling Stone that she has no famous friends besides Taylor Swift.
According to People, E! News reposted part of the quote on Instagram, and in a now-deleted comment, Raisa had written: “Interesting.”
Wow! For Wednesday’s star-studded gala honoring Gomez’s Rare Impact Foundation, the Secret Life Of The American Teenager star, 35, stunned in a silver one-shoulder dress
Sensational: It featured a mermaid-style design that hugged her sensational curves
Glam: She rocked a bright white manicure and opted for a silver eyeshadow look with a nude lip for the night
Saw Gomez on Wednesday
Gomez later seemingly referenced Raisa’s response in a TikTok, addressing the interview by explaining, “Sorry I didn’t mention everyone I know.”
To add fuel to the fire, Gomez also neglected to mention Raisa when she spoke candidly about her mental and physical health in her Apple TV+ documentary My Mind And Me.
But Raisa has emphasized in several interviews this year that there is “no argument” between herself and the Rare singer.
She also recently reported that she was “forced” to go through with the transplant surgery while appearing on the Good Guys Podcast.
“I just felt it in my heart, I knew I was a match. I knew it was going to happen,” she told the presenters.
‘No one forced me to do anything. It came from the genuine kindness of my heart and I have been super blessed ever since.”
Gomez showed appreciation for Raisa’s sacrifice when she candidly discussed the life-saving transplant while appearing on the Apple TV+ series Dear….
She explained that the actress took it upon herself to get tested to see if she could be a kidney donor.
Gomez also recalled how “incredibly overwhelming” it was that Raisa didn’t even hesitate about making the decision.
“So within three days she went and did it and she was a match, and it was one of those moments where I felt watched,” she said.
Lifesaving: Raisa donated her kidney to save the life of the Disney Channel star, 31, who suffered from organ damage at age 24 due to her lupus diagnosis
Tension: Rumors swirled that Francia was angry that Gomez was partying after the transplant – with her father claiming earlier this year that ‘Francia told Selena she didn’t give her the kidney so she could go out and drink’; seen in 2022
Battle of the BFFs: Tensions flared in late 2022 when the Monte Carlo actress told Rolling Stone she has no celebrity friends besides Taylor Swift
‘No beef’: But Raisa has emphasized in several interviews this year that there is ‘no beef’ between herself and the Rare singer; seen in 2017
She said she will “never be more indebted to anyone than Francia.”
It appears things have been smoothed over between the two as they have been hanging out in recent months, including a date at the bowling alley in LA last August.
Raisa recently followed Gomez back on Instagram, and Gomez even posted a heartfelt tribute to Raisa on her 35th birthday in July.
‘Happiest birthday to this special person. Wherever life takes us, I love you. @franciaraisa,” the Disney Channel alum wrote.
She included some of her favorite photos with Raisa, including one of the two posing together at her star-studded 30th birthday party last July.