Selena Gomez reveals vaping permanently altered her voice, urges fans to quit

Key points

• Gomez stated in a video that she vaped nicotine heavily and cannot reverse the vocal changes.
• She confirmed she has stopped vaping and is trying to maintain her sobriety.
• Experts note that smoke and vapor irritate vocal cords, causing sore throats and mucus buildup.
• The CDC warns that nicotine is highly addictive and toxic to developing fetuses and youth brains.

Background

Gomez has previously been open about her health struggles, including lupus, a kidney transplant, and bipolar disorder. In December 2025, she told fans her throat sometimes swells but did not cite vaping at that time. This disclosure follows a period where youth vaping rates in the US peaked at 20% in 2019 before falling to 5.9% by 2024.

How outlets are covering it

USA Today and ABC News focus on the health risks, citing the CDC and Cleveland Clinic on the dangers of e-cigarettes. Variety emphasizes the personal nature of the disclosure, noting her previous comments about throat swelling. ABC News highlights that scientific research has not yet conclusively linked vaping to permanent voice changes, though users report symptoms like dryness and coughing. All outlets agree on the addictive nature of nicotine and the lack of FDA approval for vapes as cessation aids.

Why it matters

The story highlights the potential long-term physical consequences of vaping, particularly for vocal cords, and serves as a high-profile warning against nicotine use. It also underscores the difficulty of quitting nicotine addiction, even for public figures.

What to watch

Gomez is focused on maintaining her sobriety. The CDC continues to monitor youth vaping trends and the long-term health effects of e-cigarette use, which remain largely unknown due to the product's recent history.