Newlyweds Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez inadvertently sparked a social media cringe-fest during a recent NBA game, after the music producer seemed completely oblivious to his wife's attempts to hold his hand.
The Courtside Snub That Went Viral
On Sunday, 30th November, the couple stepped out to watch the Los Angeles Lakers face the New Orleans Pelicans from coveted courtside seats. As they navigated the bustling Crypto.com Arena, Gomez, 33, was seen reaching out for her husband's hand as she walked behind him. However, Blanco, 37, was seemingly engrossed in the stadium atmosphere, striding ahead with his hands tucked in his pockets, unaware of Gomez's gesture.
The awkward moment was captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms, leaving countless viewers wincing with second-hand embarrassment. It was only when Gomez paused to take a selfie with a fan that Blanco rushed back to join the picture.
Social Media Reacts with Grimaces and Defence
The clip prompted a flood of reactions online, with many users criticising Blanco's behaviour. One comment on X, formerly Twitter, quipped: 'The way Benny Blanco ignores his wife when she tries to reach his hand? He's walking and saying hi to everyone like he's the main character.' Another bluntly stated, 'Bro doesn't want to hold her hand,' while a third added, 'Getting ridiculed by Benny Blanco of all people is crazy.'
Not everyone was critical, however. Some followers jumped to Blanco's defence, urging people to 'leave them alone already' and pointing out that the moment was a tiny snippet of their overall relationship.
Loved-Up Display Amidst the Awkwardness
Despite the initial clumsy interaction, the pair soon demonstrated their affection as the game progressed. Gomez was seen leaning over to plant a kiss on the corner of Blanco's mouth, and the duo were photographed in a cosy embrace, with Blanco's hand resting on Gomez's leg as she clutched his arm.
The celebrity-filled outing also included stars like Pedro Pascal, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, Finneas O'Connell, and actor Andy Garcia. The event came shortly after the couple celebrated their first Thanksgiving as a married couple, with Gomez sharing a romantic snap of them cuddling by a fireplace.
Blanco and Gomez tied the knot on 27th September at the Sea Crest Nursery in Santa Barbara, California, following a two-year romance. Their lavish wedding was attended by 170 guests, including Gomez's close friend Taylor Swift and her Only Murders in the Building co-stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Paul Rudd.
