Selena Gomez isn't letting a little dust settle on her romance. The pop superstar has publicly defended her husband, Benny Blanco, after a bizarre internet controversy erupted over his hygiene earlier this week. Following a viral moment where fans mocked the music producer's "dirty feet" on his new podcast, Gomez took to Instagram to silence the haters with a heartfelt declaration of love. Her tribute comes just hours after Blanco himself set the record straight in a hilarious appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, proving that the couple that laughs (and washes) together, stays together.
The Viral 'Dirty Feet' Controversy Explained
The internet frenzy began on Tuesday, February 24, following the premiere of Blanco's new podcast, Friends Keep Secrets. Co-hosted with rapper Dave "Lil Dicky" Burd, the debut episode featured candid conversations and a relaxed atmosphere. However, viewers fixated on one unintended detail: the soles of Blanco's bare feet, which appeared visibly darkened as he lounged on a couch.
Social media platforms were instantly flooded with screenshots and jokes about the 37-year-old producer's hygiene. "Good podcast, wash your feet Benny," one user commented, while others questioned how Gomez could tolerate the mess. The term "Benny Blanco dirty feet" quickly began trending, overshadowing the actual content of the show. But as the viral feet controversy reached a fever pitch, Blanco decided to address the criticism head-on with a high-profile TV appearance.
Benny Blanco Clears the Air on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
On Thursday, February 26, Blanco appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote the podcast, but host Jimmy Kimmel wasted no time bringing up the elephant in the room. Displaying the viral image to the studio audience, Kimmel noted the public's fascination with the producer's soles. Blanco, ever the showman, offered a passionate and humorous defense.
"First of all, it's the facility's fault. It's not mine," Blanco declared, pointing an accusing finger at his co-host Lil Dicky. He explained that the podcast is filmed at Lil Dicky's home, where the floors had not yet been deep-cleaned before production began. To prove his point, Blanco dramatically removed his shoe and sock on live television, thrusting his foot toward the camera.
"I have great feet," he shouted as the camera zoomed in on his pristine skin. "Look at that clean foot. Are you kidding me?" Lil Dicky backed up his friend's story, admitting, "It was the first day we filmed anything, so crew was coming in and out. It probably was a little bit dirty." The segment effectively debunked the hygiene rumors while delivering a moment of late-night comedy gold.
Selena Gomez Doubles Down With Romantic Tribute
While Blanco used humor to fight back, Selena Gomez chose romance. Shortly after the controversy ignited, the Only Murders in the Building star posted a sweet tribute to her husband on her Instagram Story, effectively shutting down the trolls who questioned their compatibility. Sharing a video of the couple sharing a tender kiss, Gomez added a caption that left no room for doubt about her feelings.
"I fall more and more in love with you every day my love," she wrote. The post was widely interpreted as a direct response to the negativity, signaling that a little podcast dust couldn't shake the foundation of their marriage. The couple, who wed in a private ceremony in Santa Barbara in September 2025, have frequently used social media to support each other against critics.
Celebrity Marriage Gossip and Public Support
This isn't the first time Gomez has had to defend her relationship, but her approach has evolved from defensive clapping back to displaying unbothered happiness. By focusing on her love for Blanco rather than engaging with the specific insults, she shifted the narrative from celebrity marriage gossip to a celebration of their bond.
What's Next for the Power Couple?
With the "dirty feet" saga now firmly behind them, the couple is refocusing on their professional projects. Blanco's podcast Friends Keep Secrets has seen a surge in listeners following the viral moment, proving the old adage that there's no such thing as bad publicity. Meanwhile, Gomez continues to dominate the charts and the screen.
Ultimately, the incident serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny faced by public figures. Yet, for Gomez and Blanco, it was just another opportunity to show the world that they have each other's backs—and feet.
