The music producer Benny Blanco, recently married to singer Selena Gomez in a November 2025 ceremony in Santa Barbara, is facing a wave of online criticism after the debut of his new podcast, Friends Keep Secrets. The controversy stems from footage within the podcast showing Blanco barefoot with visibly dirty feet, sparking questions and negative reactions from social media users regarding his personal habits and relationship with Gomez.
The podcast, which premiered this week, features Blanco in a casual setting – lying on a sofa in an orange and white T-shirt and beige pants – where the condition of his feet became a focal point. Adding to the online backlash, Blanco reportedly joked about passing gas during the recording, further fueling negative commentary. The incident has ignited a debate about personal hygiene and its implications within a high-profile relationship.
Social Media Reacts to Blanco’s Appearance
The reaction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) was swift and largely critical. Users questioned Blanco’s lifestyle and expressed concern over his relationship with Gomez. One user posted, “Why would she marry him of all the men in the world?” whereas another wrote, “Selena needs to divorce him and find someone better,” according to reports. The comments highlight a public fascination with celebrity relationships and a willingness to scrutinize even seemingly minor details.
A History of Unconventional Habits
This isn’t the first time Blanco’s personal habits have drawn attention. In 2024, he publicly admitted to not showering daily, explaining that he believes the skin’s natural oils require time to “rejuvenate.” He elaborated on his scent preferences in an interview with People magazine, stating, “I like to use a mixture. I aim for to smell like tobacco, but also like cotton candy. I want there to be an aroma when you walk by. I want it to smell a little like a man, a little like a woman.” This previous revelation appears to have contributed to the current scrutiny, with some observers framing the dirty feet as another example of his unconventional approach to personal care.
Gomez Responds with Affection
Despite the online criticism directed at her husband, Selena Gomez has publicly displayed her affection for Blanco. She shared a video on her Instagram stories showing the couple kissing and laughing in a park, accompanied by a caption expressing her growing love: “I fall more and more in love with you every day, my love,” alongside the song “A Gentle Sunlight” by James Quinn. This gesture suggests Gomez is unconcerned by the online chatter and remains committed to her relationship.
The Wedding and Early Relationship
Gomez and Blanco’s relationship began professionally in 2015, collaborating on Gomez’s song “Same Old Love,” and again in 2019 with “I Can’t Obtain Enough.” They kept their romantic relationship private for approximately six months before going “Instagram official” in December 2023. Their engagement followed in December 2024, culminating in a wedding ceremony on September 27, 2025, at the Sea Crest Nursery in Santa Barbara, California. The wedding was a lavish affair, attended by approximately 170 guests, including Taylor Swift, Martin Short, Steve Martin, Paul Rudd, Paris Hilton, and Jennifer Stone, a former co-star from Gomez’s Disney Channel series, Wizards of Waverly Place. Guests reportedly stayed at the El Encanto hotel, with the rehearsal dinner held at a private mansion in Hope Ranch.
Hope Ranch and Sea Crest Nursery: The Wedding Venues
The choice of venues for the wedding reflects a desire for both privacy and natural beauty. Hope Ranch, a 1,863-acre gated community overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offered exclusive access and amenities, including equestrian trails and beach access. The ceremony itself took place at Sea Crest Nursery, a 17-acre working nursery specializing in palm trees and cycads, providing an exotic and lush backdrop with minimal additional decoration. Gomez wore a custom Ralph Lauren halter-neck satin gown, paired with Tiffany & Co. Platinum and diamond earrings, while Blanco opted for a classic black Ralph Lauren tuxedo.
As the initial wave of criticism subsides, it remains to be seen whether this incident will have any lasting impact on Blanco’s public image or his relationship with Gomez. The podcast, Friends Keep Secrets, is expected to continue releasing episodes, and future installments may offer further insight into Blanco’s personality and perspectives. The next scheduled update regarding Gomez and Blanco is expected to be through their respective social media channels, where they often share glimpses into their personal lives.
This story is developing, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available. If you are experiencing relationship difficulties or are concerned about online harassment, resources are available. You can find support and information at the National Domestic Violence Hotline (https://www.thehotline.org/) or StopBullying.gov (https://www.stopbullying.gov/).
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