Benny Blanco has publicly addressed his personal hygiene routines after facing intense criticism from fans who were disgusted by Selena Gomez kissing his foot during a recent podcast appearance. The incident, which quickly went viral on social media, prompted widespread debate and mockery directed at the couple.
Podgest Foot Kiss Sparks Controversy
The controversy began when Selena Gomez, the 33-year-old actress and singer, appeared on the debut episode of her husband Benny Blanco's podcast, Friends Keep Secrets. During the recording, which lasted over an hour, Gomez was seated on the floor and leaned over to kiss Blanco's foot as it rested on a coffee table. This affectionate gesture immediately drew a fierce backlash from viewers, with many expressing revulsion and accusing Blanco of having dirty feet.
Blanco's Hygiene Clarification
In response to the uproar, Benny Blanco, the 38-year-old American record producer, took the opportunity to discuss his hygiene habits on a subsequent episode of his podcast featuring guest Ed Sheeran. Blanco directly asked Sheeran about his showering frequency, to which the singer replied that he typically showers twice daily. Sheeran humorously noted that while he might not appear to smell good, Blanco is actually the best-smelling person he knows. Blanco confidently affirmed this, stating, "I know, I smell good."
The conversation expanded when another guest, Lil Dicky (real name David Andrew Burd), joined with his wife Kirstin Batalucco and mentioned that people often comment on his distinct odor. Blanco bluntly told him, "sometimes you stink," leading to a lighthearted moment where Sheeran was encouraged to sniff both men's belly buttons for comparison. Sheeran described Burd's smell as reminiscent of a "bum hole," while Blanco claimed his own had no odor.
Social Media Reaction and Couple's Response
Following the foot-kiss incident, social media platforms erupted with criticism. One user on X (formerly Twitter) called it "the most disgusting thing" and labeled Benny and Selena as "the smelliest couple I've ever seen." Others questioned Gomez's actions, with one fan asking, "I love Selena, but why [did] she set herself up doing this?" and another speculating, "If she does it in front of everyone, what does she do in private?" Additional comments ranged from calling Gomez "disgusting" and assuming she stinks worse than Blanco, to dismissing the act as a "humiliation ritual."
Despite the backlash, Benny Blanco expressed appreciation for his wife's gesture during the podcast, remarking, "I liked that," which prompted Gomez to playfully scold him and warn against making it a bigger moment. He elaborated, "I liked it. It made me feel good. I love you so much." Blanco also revealed that he often restrains his public displays of affection for Gomez, saying, "I want to kiss her and jump her bones all the time, so to watch her just kiss my toe just really made my day."
Background on the Relationship
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco began dating in July 2023, though romance rumors only started circulating in December of that year. Gomez announced their engagement in December 2024, and the couple officially married in September 2025. This recent episode highlights the intense public scrutiny their relationship continues to face, particularly through viral moments on social media and podcast platforms.
