The Unbreakable Bond And Bitter Split: 7 Shocking Secrets Of Selena Gomez And Demi Lovato’s Friendship, From Barney To Today

The childhood friendship between Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato is one of Hollywood’s most fascinating and complex sagas, a relationship that began under the bright lights of a purple dinosaur’s world and evolved into a public, on-again, off-again narrative. As of December 12, 2025, the two former Disney Channel powerhouses maintain a respectful distance, a reality recently highlighted by a major milestone in Selena Gomez's life: her engagement to music producer Benny Blanco. While the two pop stars no longer share the close bond forged in their youth, their shared history remains a definitive chapter in both of their careers, sparking endless curiosity from fans about what truly happened between the inseparable "Barney besties."

This article dives deep into the timeline, the shared projects, the public statements, and the latest updates on the relationship between two of the biggest names in pop culture who first met as co-stars on the set of *Barney & Friends*.

Childhood Co-Stars: A Dual Biography of Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato

The foundation of the two stars' careers—and their friendship—was laid in Texas on the set of a beloved children’s television show. Both Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato were born in the Lone Star State and found their earliest fame together, a parallel journey that would define their formative years.

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Selena Marie Gomez: The Actress-Turned-Entrepreneur

• Full Name: Selena Marie Gomez
• Born: July 22, 1992, Grand Prairie, Texas
• Barney & Friends Role: Gianna (2002–2004)
• Key Career Highlights: Breakthrough role as Alex Russo on *Wizards of Waverly Place* (2007–2012); hit music albums including *Stars Dance* and *Revival*; executive producer of *13 Reasons Why* and *Only Murders in the Building*; founder of the successful makeup brand, Rare Beauty.
• Current Status: Highly active as an actress, producer, and entrepreneur; recently engaged to Benny Blanco.

Demetria Devonne "Demi" Lovato: The Vocal Powerhouse

• Full Name: Demetria Devonne Lovato
• Born: August 20, 1992, Albuquerque, New Mexico (raised in Dallas, Texas)
• Barney & Friends Role: Angela (Seasons 7–8)
• Key Career Highlights: Breakthrough role as Mitchie Torres in the Disney Channel Original Movie *Camp Rock* (2008); multi-platinum music career with albums like *Don't Forget* and *Confident*; extensive work as an advocate for mental health and addiction recovery.
• Current Status: Continues a prolific music career and acting roles, actively using their platform for advocacy.

From Purple Dinosaur to Pop Princesses: The Barney Years and Disney Crossover

The story of "Selena and Demi" officially began in 2002. Both young girls were cast on the PBS children's show *Barney & Friends*, a cultural phenomenon that launched several major careers. Selena Gomez played the recurring character Gianna, while Demi Lovato played Angela. The two quickly became inseparable on and off set, bonding over the shared experience of being child actors.

Their first major collaboration was not on a Disney set, but singing together on *Barney*. This early foundation of friendship and shared professional experience created a unique and visible bond that fans would track for years. They even created their own viral YouTube series in 2008, affectionately titled “The Demi and Selena Show,” which showcased their genuine, playful chemistry.

The next chapter of their parallel careers was the Disney Channel era. While Selena Gomez landed the lead role in the hit series *Wizards of Waverly Place*, Demi Lovato starred in the massively successful *Camp Rock* film series alongside the Jonas Brothers. This period cemented their status as teen idols and led to their only major joint project post-*Barney*: the 2009 Disney Channel Original Movie, *Princess Protection Program*. The film was a testament to their close friendship, as they played best friends on-screen, a dynamic that mirrored their real lives.

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The Complex Timeline: Feuds, Fractures, and Final Statements

Despite their seemingly perfect public image, the friendship between the two young stars began to show signs of strain as they navigated the intense pressures of Hollywood, fame, and personal struggles. The journey from "Barney besties" to estranged colleagues has been marked by several public moments of distance and reconciliation.

The First Public Fracture

The initial signs of a split emerged around 2010. While the exact reasons for the first major rift were never fully disclosed, it coincided with a period of intense media scrutiny and the rise of the "Disney Channel star" machine. Demi Lovato, dealing with personal health issues, entered treatment in 2010. Although Selena Gomez publicly offered support, the distance began to grow, with their public appearances together becoming increasingly rare.

The Social Media Unfollow and Direct Quotes

In the mid-2010s, the status of their friendship became a constant topic of speculation, often fueled by social media activity. The most definitive sign of a breakdown came when Demi Lovato unfollowed Selena Gomez on Twitter in 2014. When later asked about the unfollowing, Lovato was candid, stating, "I think it’s just one of those things where people change."

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The definitive statement on their current relationship came in a 2020 interview. Demi Lovato made it clear that they were no longer friends, explaining that they had drifted apart. "When you grow up with somebody, you’re always going to have love for them," Lovato stated, but added, "I will always have love for her, but we’re not friends." This moment confirmed what fans had suspected for years: the intense childhood bond had fractured under the weight of different life paths and adult challenges.

The Latest Update: Demi Lovato's Reaction to Selena Gomez's Engagement

The most recent and definitive update on their relationship status came in late 2024, following the news of Selena Gomez’s engagement to her boyfriend, music producer Benny Blanco. The public was eager to see if Demi Lovato would offer a comment, given their history.

The response, while brief, was mature and respectful, providing a final, clear picture of their adult dynamic. Demi Lovato publicly reacted to the engagement news, expressing genuine happiness for her former friend. This gesture, coming years after their definitive split, underscores a complex but ultimately peaceful resolution. It confirms that while the intimate, day-to-day friendship is over, a deep-seated respect and residual affection from their shared *Barney* and Disney Channel days remain. The two women have successfully navigated their way from a codependent childhood friendship to a healthy, distant, and supportive professional relationship.

The story of Selena and Demi serves as a powerful reminder that not all childhood friendships are meant to last forever, especially when forged in the crucible of Hollywood fame. They remain two of the most influential figures of their generation, forever linked by a purple dinosaur and a shared dream.