Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Showcase Romantic Unity Following Viral Social Media Backlash

Selena Gomez shuts down critics of husband Benny Blanco with romantic beach photos and a defiant podcast appearance following viral "dirty feet" backlash in 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 9:08 AM EDT

Source: Page Six

A Romantic Escape to the California Coast

Pop icon and actress Selena Gomez took to Instagram on Saturday to share a collection of photos documenting a coastal getaway with her husband, record producer Benny Blanco. The images capture the couple in various states of embrace, ranging from a sun-drenched living room overlooking the water to a rugged cliffside. Gomez, 33, opted for casual comfort in the shots, wearing a mix of leisure suits and a black sweater set, while Blanco, 37, remained similarly low-key in hoodies and sweats.

The visual display of affection comes at a high-profile moment for Gomez, who is currently starring in the hit series Only Murders in the Building. One particular image highlighted Gomez’s diamond wedding ring, a nod to their Santa Barbara nuptials held in late 2025. The post was further personalized when Gomez re-shared it to her Stories, set to the track "Supernatural" by her longtime friend Ariana Grande.

Strategic Defiance Against Social Media Criticism

The timing of these photos appears to be a deliberate response to a wave of online "trolling" directed at Blanco. The controversy began in February 2026, when Blanco launched his podcast, Friends Keep Secrets. During a filmed segment, Blanco was seen lounging with visibly dirty feet, a detail that quickly became a focal point for critics on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Some commenters went as far as to suggest Gomez should seek a divorce over the hygiene oversight.

Rather than issuing a formal statement, Gomez utilized her husband's media platform to address the detractors. In a March episode of the podcast, she was filmed kissing Blanco’s feet, a move intended to mock the intensity of the public’s reaction. This brand of "transformative PR" suggests the couple is leaning into the controversy rather than shying away from it, turning a potential PR liability into a moment of shared humor and intimacy.