Pop icon Selena Gomez is standing ten toes down—literally—for her husband, Benny Blanco. The singer took to social media on February 26 to firmly defend the music producer after a close-up of his visibly dirty bare feet on his new podcast, Friends Keep Secrets, sent the internet into a collective spiral of disgust. While fans and critics alike flooded timelines with the ultimate “ick,” Gomez made it clear that a little dust (and gas) isn’t enough to shake their marriage.
The ‘Friends Keep Secrets’ Podcast Launch That Broke the Internet
It was supposed to be a celebration of candid conversations and close friendships. On February 24, Benny Blanco launched his highly anticipated podcast, Friends Keep Secrets, co-hosted with his longtime best friend, rapper Lil Dicky (Dave Burd), and Burd’s wife, Kristin Batalucco. However, the discourse quickly shifted from the content of the conversation to the state of Blanco’s hygiene.
Viewers were less than thrilled when the 37-year-old hitmaker decided to lounge barefoot on a couch during the premiere episode. Eagle-eyed fans immediately zoomed in on the soles of his feet, which appeared to be covered in a layer of grime. To make matters more chaotic, Blanco seemingly leaned into the “unfiltered” theme by passing gas into his microphone, a moment that was left in the final edit. The combination of the viral celebrity dating stories tropes—over-sharing and comfort—crossed a line for many, igniting a firestorm of memes and criticism.
The Internet’s ‘Ick’: Fans React to Benny Blanco’s Hygiene
The reaction was swift and merciless. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok were inundated with clips of the incident, with users expressing their horror. The phrase “Benny Blanco dirty feet viral” began trending as fans questioned how the Only Murders in the Building star handles such relaxed grooming habits at home.
Comments ranged from genuine concern to brutal mockery. “That is disgusting, I don’t know how Selena is dealing with this,” one user wrote, while another dramatically urged the star to “sign those divorce papers now.” The incident became a textbook example of internet ick relationship trends, where a single unappealing habit can spark a massive public debate about compatibility. For a celebrity couple that tied the knot just five months ago in September 2025, the scrutiny was intense, with many projecting their own hygiene standards onto the newlyweds.
Selena Gomez Claps Back with Romance
Amid the noise and the “divorce him” hashtags, Selena Gomez chose to respond not with a press release, but with a public display of affection. On Wednesday, February 26, she posted a romantic video to her Instagram Story featuring the couple sharing a tender kiss. The caption was a direct rebuttal to the haters: “I fall more and more in love with you every day, my love.”
She didn’t stop there. Gomez also shared a Bible verse, Psalm 34:18, which reads, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” perhaps hinting that the harsh public commentary had taken a toll, or simply offering support to her husband. This Selena Gomez husband defense strategy—ignoring the specific criticism while doubling down on emotional connection—effectively silenced rumors of trouble in paradise.
Love in the Time of ‘Too Much Information’
This isn’t the first time Blanco’s habits have raised eyebrows. In previous interviews, he has admitted to not showering daily, citing a belief that natural skin oils need time to rejuvenate. While these quirks might send the average dater running, Gomez has consistently embraced Blanco’s authentic, albeit messy, self. Since their marriage in late 2025, the couple has been open about their deep bond, proving that for them, love conquers all—even dirty feet.
Why This Moment Matters for Celebrity Relationship News 2026
The Selena Gomez Benny Blanco saga highlights a growing shift in how we consume celebrity culture. In 2026, the veil of perfection has been completely lifted. Audiences are now privy to the most intimate, and sometimes gross, details of their favorite stars' lives. Blanco’s podcast represents a new wave of content where “authenticity” is the ultimate currency, even if it comes at the cost of public appeal.
For Gomez, defending her partner against the internet’s “ick” is a power move. It reinforces the narrative that their relationship is real, grounded, and resilient against outside noise. As the couple approaches their five-month wedding anniversary on February 28, it’s clear that they are rewriting the rules of celebrity marriage, one viral controversy at a time.
