Selena Gomez’s boyfriend, record producer Benny Blanco, was ruthlessly trolled on social media after being named one of People magazine's “Sexiest Men Alive” in 2024. Some have gone as far as to accuse Selena of influencing the nomination. Despite the backlash, Selena publicly expressed her support.
Benny, a 36-year-old record producer and songwriter, made it onto People's “Sexiest Man Alive” list, sparking outrage online.
Highlights
- Benny Blanco, Selena Gomez's boyfriend, named in People's 2024 'Sexiest Men Alive', faced online backlash.
- Some accused Selena of influencing Blanco's nomination while she publicly supported him.
- Blanco humorously revealed recreating Taco Bell's meat for Selena, showcasing his love.
- Despite criticism, some fans valued Blanco's humor and supportive nature as attractive.
A Threads user commented: “Benny Blanco for People’s 2024 sexiest man alive?? Do they [happen] to be ‘blind people’? Is the People’s with us ??coz I'm about to throw up.”
“Seriously Benny Blanco?” a netizen asked. “Did we run out of options?”
Selena Gomez’s boyfriend, record producer Benny Blanco, was ruthlessly trolled on social media
Image credits: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
An additional viewer shared: “Benny Blanco as sexiest man alive in 2024???????? Tfffff hahahahahahahaha Selena paid for this sh*t.”
Meanwhile, on Instagram, the negative reviews continued to unveil, as a user brutally questioned: “Did all other men die?”
Nevertheless, others were left with a more positive outlook, as a commentator noted: “Looks are subjective, but being a loving and supportive bf is always sexy.”
Image credits: itsbennyblanco
“He actually deserves this. Y’all that are hating, go away lmao,” a cybernaut stated.
A viewer added: “I personally don't find him that attractive but he's a funny guy, he seems sweet and people love how he treats Selena, so...yeah, that's sexy.”
A separate individual chimed in: “Treating your women right is sexy.”
Benny was named one of People magazine's “Sexiest Men Alive” in 2024
Image credits: Amy Sussman/Getty Images
People magazine's “Sexiest Men Alive” award last year went to Patrick Dempsey, Bored Panda previously reported.
The year before, it went to Captain America himself, Chris Evans.
Selena appeared to be supportive of the nomination, as she took to her Instagram page on Monday to share a photo from Benny’s interview and spread with People.
“Not only do you love me unconditionally... You always get me my Taco Bell Mexican pizza,” the 32-year-old singer wrote on her Instagram Stories.
In a second Instagram Stories post, she shared a quote that read: “I still haven't figured out how to sit across from you, and not be madly in love with everything you do.”
Image credits: Todd Owyoung/NBC
Benny recently revealed that he learned how to make his own version of American fast food chain Taco Bell’s signature meat because Selena loves it so much.
He told People on Monday: “[I learned how to] recreate Taco Bell meat. I've practiced a lot, and I think it's pretty indistinguishable now if you put them side by side.
“There's so many things you have to do. Part of the meat is kind of blended. It's disgusting, but it's delicious. I do it all from scratch.”
He continued: “Even if you're terrible at cooking, [your partner will] like it because you did it. Ask your partner what they want to eat.
Some have gone as far as to accuse Selena of influencing the nomination
Image credits: itsbennyblanco
“Don't try to cook them what you want to eat. If you don't know how to cook it — learn it.”
The producer added: “If you don't know how to learn it, get it from Postmates and put it on a plate, and pretend you cooked it.
“No, lying is bad! We never lie. Especially if you're a guy, we're disgusting. No one should even look at us. Try to be chivalrous: Tell her how pretty she is. Chivalry's not dead.”
Benny previously earned “boyfriend points” by surprising his girlfriend with a homemade steak dinner and a sweet note while she slept.
Image credits: selenagomez
“I Love You! Sleep Well! I Made You Steak!” the note read at the time.
Benny, who has been dating the Disney star since 2023, refers to her as his “best friend.” He revealed: "I'm a real morning person. It's my favorite time to spend with Sel, because we both wake up really early.
“It's like our moment before the rest of the world wakes up.
“I have a true best friend that I get to do everything in the world with, and every day is the best day of my life."
Despite the backlash, Selena publicly expressed her support
Image credits: connarfranklin
People’s winner as the 2024 Sexiest Man Alive will be revealed on Tuesday, November 12.
Benny’s nomination comes shortly after a viral video of Selena dancing with her Emilia Pérez co-star Édgar Ramírez, sparked controversy.
The video started circulating as rumors of a possible engagement with Benny were unveiled.
The Love On singer enjoyed a night out with friends at Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n Sweet Tour at Madison Square Garden in New York City on September 29.
In one of the clips from the evening posted by her friend, Connar Franklin, Selena could be seen “grinding” with Édgar to Sabrina’s hit song, Espresso. At one point, the Venezuelan actor got behind her before he snapped his own photos of the group, Bored Panda previously reported.
Selena also shared a video of herself dancing to Juno earlier in the night, tagging her boyfriend, Benny in the caption.
“Can’t keep my hands to myself,” Benny commented, referencing her 2015 song.
Bored Panda has contacted Benny’s representative for comment.
"Maybe there is hope for us below average guys after all," a reader commented
