Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande's 'awkward' interaction at Palm Springs Film Festival divides Internet

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA: Social media users have split over an "awkward" exchange between Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande when the two stars were spotted together at a recent event.

The two singers were seen giving one other a tender embrace on the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards red carpet on Friday night, January 3.

Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande attend Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards

Selena Gomez, 32, and Ariana Grande, 31, were spotted chatting happily together before embracing in a nine-second video clip from the event.

The 'God Is a Woman' songstress moved away from Gomez immediately after the embrace, while the 'Only Murder in the Building' star appeared to be still speaking to her.

Following that, Gomez seemed to give Grande, who was no longer even glancing at her, a strange curtsy.

Wearing an all-white pantsuit, the 'Love On' singer bowed her knees and then sprung back up.

The 'Wicked' actress, who chose to wear a strapless light blue silk gown, turned back around and attempted to take Gomez's hand but Gomez had already begun to walk away, realizing Grande's back was toward her.

Many people took to social media to express their opinions when the popular X (formerly Twitter) account PopBase uploaded the video on the platform.

While Grande soared to prominence at the age of 17 with her role in the Nickelodeon series 'Victorious', Gomez notably became famous as a teenager after playing Alex Russo on the Disney Channel comedy 'Wizards of Waverly Place'.

Gomez was asked if she and Grande were working together during a red-carpet interview. However, she claimed to like to "keep her friends" as "friends" as opposed to coworkers, reported Daily Mail.

"I love finally got to sit down and talk to her at the Academy Gala [on December 10]. It was the sweetest thing... I know what it feels like, you know? She started very young... it's amazing to see this happening for her," Gomez said.

The two women were earlier pictured sitting together on December 10 at the Academy Museum's luncheon.

Internet divided over Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande's 'awkward' encounter

Footage showing the two artists hugging and conversing at the event went viral on X right away. While many of their fans were thrilled to see them together, other social media users called the moment "awkward" and "forced."

One X user said, "Cute little red carpet moment between Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande at the Palm Springs International Film Awards!"

Another added, "It's lovely to see @SelenaGomez and @ArianaGrande supporting each other. And Demi in the background? The squad is all here! #PSIFF #CelebrityLove."

"Those of us who grew up with Wizards of Waverly Place and Victorious are shaking rn," wrote one ecstatic fan.

Another wrote in part, "Seeing two of the most genuine artists in the industry supporting each other like this reminds me of how they've both grown from Disney/Nickelodeon to becoming powerhouse performers."

Others, however, described the moment as "forced" and "clearly uncomfortable" as one person wrote, "That looked awkward."

Another commented, "Selena Gomez clearly uncomfortable with this hug."

"From Selena maybe she avoided eye contact towards the end and left right after the greeting," one individual said.

Another added, "This is so fake and forced."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.