5 Key Moments That Defined—And Ended—The Demi Lovato And Selena Gomez Friendship (Updated 2025)

The question of whether Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez are still friends remains one of the most persistent pieces of Disney Channel lore. While fans of the former childhood best friends, affectionately dubbed "Delena," hoped for a quiet reconciliation, the definitive answer, as of , is no. The two pop superstars have publicly confirmed they are no longer in touch, though their recent interactions show a mutual, respectful distance.

This article provides the most current and updated information on their relationship, detailing the history of their bond, the moment their friendship officially ended, and the respectful well-wishes exchanged in late 2024 and 2025 following Selena Gomez’s engagement to Benny Blanco.

The Definitive Timeline of the 'Delena' Friendship

The bond between Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez is one of the most famous and tumultuous celebrity friendships of the 21st century. Their relationship stretches back to their earliest days in show business, creating a history that is both deeply personal and highly public.

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1. The Barney & Friends Beginning (Early 2000s)

Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez first met as children while auditioning for the PBS children's show Barney & Friends. They were both cast members, establishing a friendship that would carry them into their teenage years. This early bond cemented them as childhood best friends before the pressures of global fame ever took hold.

2. The Disney Channel Era and Peak 'Delena' (2007–2009)

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Their friendship reached its peak during their time on the Disney Channel. Demi starred in Camp Rock (2008), while Selena led Wizards of Waverly Place. Their friendship was highly visible, and they even co-starred in the Disney Channel Original Movie Princess Protection Program (2009). During this period, they were inseparable, frequently appearing on the red carpet together and publicly supporting each other's projects.

3. The First Public Break and Reconciliation Attempts (2010–2014)

As the two young stars navigated their rapidly growing careers, the first signs of strain began to appear. They experienced periods where they grew apart and stopped talking, a common occurrence in any long-term friendship, but one amplified by their celebrity status. Despite the distance, they would often reconcile, showing up for each other during critical life events, including Demi’s struggles with mental health and sobriety.

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4. The Definitive Public Split: The Harper's Bazaar Interview (2020)

The on-again, off-again nature of their friendship came to a definitive end in 2020. In an interview for the May 2020 issue of Harper's Bazaar, Demi Lovato was asked about their relationship with Selena Gomez. Demi stated clearly, "I’m not friends with her anymore." They explained that while they wished Selena well, they were no longer in contact, citing a natural drift due to their different life paths and friend groups.

5. The Respectful Distance: Selena’s Engagement and Demi’s Reaction (Late 2024/2025)

Despite the separation, a moment of public interaction occurred in late 2024 and 2025, confirming the respectful but distant nature of their relationship. After Selena Gomez announced her engagement to music producer Benny Blanco in December 2024, Demi Lovato was asked for a reaction during a subsequent interview. Demi offered nothing but happiness for her former friend, sending well wishes for the engagement. This gesture, though brief, demonstrated that while the friendship is over, mutual respect remains.

Why Did Demi and Selena Stop Being Friends?

The end of the "Delena" friendship was not marked by a single dramatic feud, but rather a gradual process of growing apart that was publicly confirmed years later.

Diverging Life Paths and Friend Groups

The primary reason cited for the dissolution of the friendship is the natural process of two people maturing and developing different interests and social circles. Demi Lovato explicitly stated that their non-contact with Selena was due to them having "different sets of friends."

The Pressure of Public Scrutiny

Their friendship was under intense media scrutiny from the start, a pressure that few celebrity bonds can withstand. As both artists navigated highly public struggles—Demi with sobriety and mental health, and Selena with lupus and mental health—their support systems naturally shifted, leading them in different directions.

The Current Status: Respect, Not Reconciliation (2025 Update)

As of , the status of their relationship is clearly defined: they are not friends, but they are supportive of each other from a distance.

Demi Lovato's Public Happiness for Selena Gomez

When discussing Selena’s engagement to Benny Blanco, Demi’s reaction was one of genuine well-wishing. This suggests that despite the lack of a personal relationship, there is no lingering animosity or feud, only a desire for the other person's happiness.

Selena Gomez’s Nod to Disney Channel Alumni

In a separate interview in August 2025 on Jake Shane’s *Therapuss* podcast, Selena Gomez spoke positively about her former Disney Channel costars, including Demi. While not a direct attempt at reconciliation, it shows a retrospective appreciation for their shared history and the people she grew up with, including Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, and Demi.

Conclusion: The Final Chapter of 'Delena'

The story of Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez is a classic tale of two childhood friends who grew up and grew apart. While the "Delena" friendship may be a closed chapter, the public respect they show each other is a mature and healthy evolution of their long history. Fans hoping for a reunion will likely be disappointed, as both stars are focused on their individual careers, health, and personal lives, including Selena's upcoming wedding to Benny Blanco.