Selena Gomez criticises family separation at US-Mexico border: 'This is a moral choice, not a political one'

Singer and actress spoke out during promotion of her new film Hotel Transylvania 3

Selena Gomez has spoken out over children being separated from their parents at the US-Mexico border.

The singer and actress discussed Donald Trump's "zero tolerance" policy at the premiere of Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation in LA, at the same time as an estimated 55,000 people gathered a few miles away at a Families Belong Together rally.

"It's extremely disheartening," Gomez, who stars as Dracula's daughter Mavis in the film, told the Hollywood Reporter. "There's a lot of confusion and anger."

Addressing her status as a Mexican-American from Texas, she added: "It's definitely been affecting so many people who are close to me."

The day before, Gomez had tweeted her support for the rallies, writing: "Families seeking safety in our country need protection, understanding and opportunity, not detention. This is a moral choice, not a political one."

Producer Michelle Murdocca was tearful as she told THR: "I can't think about it or I'll cry. But that's also why we do these movies.

"My favourite thing to do on opening weekend is I go to a lot of different theatres because there's nothing like hearing kids laughing with their parents. And the message of the movies is all about acceptance and being yourself."

Thousands of people took part in a rally on Saturday 30 June as protestors urged the US government to reunite hundreds of children separated from their parents at the US-Mexico border.

People shouting "shut detention down" marched in New York City's Foley Square at the same time as hundreds walked towards the Paso Del Norte )Sante Fe) bridge in Texas, which crosses over to Juarez, Mexico.

Tony-winning actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, who created the hit musical Hamilton, was among those to address the New York crowds.

"We're here because there are parents out there who can't sing lullabies to their kids, so we're going to sing on their behalf until they can sing together."

Meanwhile in LA, John Legend serenaded the crowds, while his wife, food writer Chrissy Teigen, told the march she was "proud to be a daughter of an immigrant".