Selena | Courtesy photo
Selena Quintanilla-Perez, the Queen of Tejano music, continues to be a beloved figure in the music industry and beyond, even decades after her tragic death. However, a new docuseries by Oxygen has sparked outrage among her family, fans, and the Tejano community.
The series, which gives a voice to the iconic singer’s killer, has been met with widespread criticism. Many argue that it is inappropriate and disrespectful to Selena’s memory to provide a platform for the person responsible for her untimely death.
Selena’s family has been vocal in their disapproval of the series. They believe that the focus should remain on Selena’s life, her music, and her enduring legacy, rather than shifting the narrative towards her killer. The singer’s father, Abraham Quintanilla, told TMZ that the documentary is “nothing but lies” and the family had nothing do with the series, adding “everyone knows there’s zero truth to anything that comes out of her mouth.”
Fans of the late singer have also expressed their disappointment and anger. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support for Selena’s family and calls to boycott the docuseries.
“Selena was an incredibly gifted & beautiful woman with many so many talents. The world lost an amazing woman when Yolanda Saldívar murdered her. Out of RESPECT to Selena Quintanilla-Perez, NO. I will NOT be watching the Oxygen Docuseries,” a Selena fan commented on X, formerly Twitter.
“I am not supporting anything that has to do with Yolanda Saldívar,” said another Selena fan on X. “I will never ever watch or support the Yolanda Saldívar Series on Oxygen and I would strongly encourage that if you really love Selena you don’t either. I don’t care about Yolanda’s life or history.”
The Tejano community, which has always held Selena in high regard for her contributions to the genre, shares these sentiments. They view the series as a painful reminder of the loss of a beloved icon, rather than a tribute to her life and work.
Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame broadcaster and podcast host Rock-N-Roll James, who interviewed Selena many times during his career, shared his voice on Instagram. “I am not supporting anything that has to do with Yolanda Saldivar. I will never ever watch or support the Yolanda Saldívar Series on Oxygen and I would strongly encourage that if you really love Selena you don’t either. I don’t care about Yolanda’s life or history. The only Life I cherished, loved and cared about was Selena’s and she took her away from me,” he said.
Saldívar was Selena’s friend and the former manager of Selena’s boutique. She murdered the singer in March 1995 after the singer confronted her at a hotel about embezzling funds. Saldívar is serving a life sentence in a Texas prison and is elgible for parole next year.
The controversy surrounding the Oxygen docuseries serves as a reminder of the deep love and respect that Selena continues to command. As her family, fans, and the Tejano community rally to protect her legacy, it is clear that Selena’s impact on the world of music and beyond remains as powerful as ever.
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