Since Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber's Instagram fight, Gomez has been off of social media. She missed the VMAs and was about to go back on tour after her break, with a performance scheduled for this Saturday in Paradise, Canada. This afternoon, however, she announced she won't be taking the stage and is taking some time off to focus on her health.
"As many of you know, around a year ago I revealed that I have lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways," she told People in a statement. "I've discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges. I want to be proactive and focus on maintaining my health and happiness and have decided that the best way forward is to take some time off."
"Thank you to all my fans for your support," she continued. "You know how special you are to me, but I need to face this head on to ensure I am doing everything possible to be my best. I know I am not alone by sharing this, I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues."
A source tells People that Gomez will clear her calendar for the rest of the year and that the break is "absolutely not related to alcohol or substance abuse." Gomez just "hadn't felt like herself," over the past couple of months, something she hinted earlier this summer on her Instagram.
"Tonight I felt extremely unauthentic, unconnected to both myself and my music," she wrote after her Indonesia concert in July. "I've never really felt like my materials, wardrobe or a video could define me. I act on a moment and fear something that hasn't happened. I'm stagnant, I stay still and don't just sit with myself first and ask 'is this where I am, whole heartedly?' I've always told the truth. I'm always true to my word, I've shown who I am but I need to rethink some areas of my life creatively and personally. Had to get that out."
It hasn't been specified yet whether the remaining Revival Tour dates will be rescheduled.
