Selena Gomez and her husband Benny Blanco were seen enjoying a cozy date night this week, cuddling up in a booth at a bowling alley and arcade in Los Angeles. The couple, who tied the knot last September, displayed undeniable affection as they spent time together, with Blanco wrapping his arms around Gomez and resting his head on her shoulder.
Romantic Outing Defies Recent Controversy
Despite recent controversy surrounding Blanco's personal hygiene, Gomez's affection for her husband appeared completely undented during their Tuesday evening outing. The music producer, 38, and pop star, 33, looked like the picture of romantic bliss as they sat together by the bowling lanes and explored various arcade games side by side.
Podcast Episode Sparks Fan Backlash
The couple's public display of affection comes just weeks after Blanco faced significant backlash from fans over his appearance on the pilot episode of his new podcast Friends Keep Secrets. During the episode, Gomez was seen kissing one of Blanco's feet, and viewers quickly zeroed in on what many described as filthy soles.
Social media platforms erupted with expressions of disgust from fans, with many marveling that Gomez would be with someone displaying such hygiene habits. Some followers even went so far as to plead with the singer to leave her husband over the incident.
Blanco's Defense on National Television
The controversy became so explosive that Blanco addressed it directly during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside his co-host Lil Dicky. Defending himself against accusations of poor cleanliness, Blanco insisted the dirt on his feet was "the facility's fault, not mine!"
During the same podcast episode that sparked the hygiene debate, Blanco further raised eyebrows by farting into the microphone and joking with listeners about whether they could detect the sound through their audio equipment.
Recent Wedding and Celebrity Connections
Gomez and Blanco exchanged vows on September 27 last year in Santa Barbara, with the bride's longtime friend Taylor Swift flying in for the occasion and delivering a speech. However, reports suggest Gomez has declined multiple requests to serve as a bridesmaid at Swift's upcoming wedding to Travis Kelce.
Gomez's Own Candid Response to Personal Questions
The online brouhaha over Blanco's feet occurred just months after Gomez herself responded with refreshing frankness to a fan inquiry about her personal grooming. In December, the newlywed pop star addressed a blunt question about managing facial hair through an Instagram Stories video.
Gomez explained that what some perceived as a mustache was actually melasma, a harmless skin condition involving discolored splotches that can be triggered by sun exposure, birth control, or pregnancy. The Rare Beauty founder used the opportunity to remind her followers about the importance of sunscreen protection.
Despite the recent controversies and public scrutiny, Gomez and Blanco's bowling alley date demonstrates their continued closeness and ability to enjoy simple pleasures together amid the spotlight of celebrity life.
