The highly-anticipated “Saved by the Bell” reboot faced backlash from fans of Selena Gomez after several clips were shared on Twitter that appear to poke fun at the singer’s kidney transplant.
Peacock, Universal Television and executive producers of the show issued a statement following the backlash.
“We apologize. It was never our intention to make light of Selena’s health,” the statement read. “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.”
The controversial scenes appeared in the sixth episode of the reimagined “Saved by the Bell.” Bayside students have their phones taken away with no immediate internet access. The scene portrays two students arguing about pop culture without the ability to be able to find sources to confirm their side.
wtf is wrong with this show and it’s obsession with selenas health??? this is so disgusting and unnecessary @peacockTV @TraceyWigfield @bariotweets @RealPeterEngel pic.twitter.com/MgbPsI2bVy
— ⁷ (@TayIenaVoodoo) November 28, 2020
one tweet from a Gomez fan read, sharing clips from the episode.
In a different scene, a wall behind one of the students appears to read, “Does Selena Gomez even have a kidney?” in black spray paint.
“Does Selena Gomez even have a kidney?” This is fvcking disgusting and inappropriate @peacockTV! 🤢
RESPECT SELENA GOMEZ pic.twitter.com/6uYCbyNnV4
— B!tch (@fetishofsmg) November 28, 2020
