Meet Francia Raisa — The Woman Who Donated a Kidney to Selena Gomez

Francia Raisa made headlines in 2017 for donating a kidney to pop star Selena Gomez — a deeply personal act that captured national attention and sparked years of speculation about the true nature of their friendship.

Weeks after Selena Gomez married music producer Benny Blanco in a private ceremony in California, fans noted the absence of one longtime friend — Francia Raisa. The 37-year-old actress, best known for donating a kidney to Gomez in 2017 during the singer's battle with lupus, has spoken publicly to clear the air about their friendship.

Selena Gomez and Francia Raisa attend Billboard Women In Music 2017 - Arrivals at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 30, 2017 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

A Life-Saving Gift

"I know she's getting married, and I'm very happy for her," Raisa told reporter Magaly Ortiz Rodrigu in Spanish during a bookstore event before the wedding. "And look... she has a life, and she is already a billionaire, and I am grateful that I could do that for her."

Raisa, known for her roles in "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" and "How I Met Your Father," also reflected on the kidney donation itself.

"Look, from the beginning, the doctors told me it's a donation," she said. "If you're going to donate a dollar to St. Jude or somewhere else, you're not going to call to say, 'Hey, what are you doing with my dollar?'"

Francia Raisa and Selena Gomez attend the Unlikely Heroes' 3rd Annual Awards Dinner And Gala at Sofitel Hotel on November 8, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Raisa added that the donation was something nice that she was able to do for a dear friend. At the end of it all, she is graeful to be alive, and that she was able to save a life.

In 2017, Raisa donated one of her kidneys to Gomez, who was experiencing a serious lupus flare-up. The transplant was a critical moment in Gomez's ongoing health journey.

Selena Gomez and actress Francia Raisa arrive at the Billboard Women In Music 2017 at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 30, 2017 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Selena's Public Gratitude

At the time, Gomez publicly expressed deep appreciation. "There aren't words to describe how I can possibly thank my beautiful friend Francia Raisa. She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much sis," Selena wrote on Instagram when she revealed her transplant.

Addressing speculation about tension between them, Raisa denied any feud. She emphasized that their relationship is private. "No one knows what's going on, and neither she nor I are talking about it," she said. "One day, maybe we will address it."

Where They Stand Today

Raisa slammed rumors claiming she got angry at Gomez due to the latter's smoking habit. However, she made it clear that this was false, and that she was not aware that there was a rumor circulating about it.

Francia Raisa at the Inaugural Rare Impact Fund Benefit Supporting Youth Mental Health at Nya Studios on October 4, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Despite rumors of a falling out, Raisa made clear she harbors no ill will and remains proud of her decision to help a friend in need.