Selena Gomez responded to critics of Netflix's controversial yet successful 13 Reasons Why, of which she is an executive producer, while speaking to The Associated Press this week.

"We stayed very true to the book and initially what Jay Asher created, [which] was a beautifully tragic, complicated yet suspenseful story, and I think that's what we wanted to do," she said, explaining that she anticipated there would be some criticism based on the story's sensitive subject matter.

"We wanted to do it justice and, yeah, [the backlash is] going to come no matter what," the actress added. "It's not an easy subject to talk about, but I'm very fortunate with how it's doing and I’m overwhelmed, very proud of it."

The teen drama series, based off Asher's hit 2007 novel, is about a high school student who commits suicide after being bullied by her peers and former friends. She leaves behind a box of cassette tapes, each explaining one of the 13 reasons why she decided to end her life.

Response to the show has been split, with some praising its compassionate portrayal of a serious topic affecting many young people, while others have argued that it glorifies and romanticizes suicide while also serving as a trigger for viewers who have struggled with depression or suicidal thoughts.

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