Selena Gomez has reacted to her boyfriend Benny Blanco being nominated for the Sexiest Man Alive list.

The 36-year-old - whose real name is Benjamin Joseph Levin - will be included among several music and film industry heartthrobs in PEOPLE magazine's forthcoming issue.

Benny Blanco has been nominated for the 2024 Sexiest Man Alive list. Credit: Lester Cohen / Getty

This year's cover star will not only be chosen based on their physical attractiveness, but also their personality, charisma, and cultural impact.

Still, many fans were left surprised by Blanco's inclusion in the annual issue and took to their social media to share their stunned responses.

"The rage and confusion that just went through my body when I thought Benny Blanco was being announced sexiest man alive… I’m gonna need a minute," one person brutally wrote on X.

"Benny Blanco as sexiest man alive?? like… did they pull names out of a hat orrr," a second joked. "Benny Blanco and sexiest man alive should never be in the same sentence," a third savagely added.

However, it wasn't all criticism as many users shared that they support the Grammy-winning songwriter's feature on the list.

"Yall roasting Benny Blanco bc he pulled a baddie in Selena Gomez & yall think the word SEXY is based off looks," one person blasted. "He’s a musician and good at it and he cooks various dishes on top of being a decent person. Leave this man alone."

A second shared: "Can’t argue with that choice! He’s got the talent and the charm to match," with a third added: "Well-deserved spotlight!"

Selena Gomez gushed about Benny Blanco on her Instagram story. Credit: Selena Gomez/Instagram

Of course, Blanco's biggest supporter, his girlfriend Selena Gomez, also chimed in.

The 32-year-old singer took to her Instagram Stories to repost one of the photos from the magazine, which saw her boyfriend lying on a table with pizza and a margarita in front of him.

"Not only do you love me unconditionally, you always get me my Taco Bell Mexican pizza," she sweetly penned underneath the snap. 

She also tagged Blanco in her second story, where she shared a quote from William C. Hannan that read: "I still haven't figured out how to sit across from you, and not be madly in love with everything you do."

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco started dating in 2023. Credit: Amy Sussman / Getty

The couple started dating midway through 2023, keeping their relationship out of the spotlight for several months before going public.

During his interview with PEOPLE, Blanco revealed that he’d learned how to make his own version of Taco Bell’s signature meat because the 'Same Old Love' hitmaker loves it so much. 

“[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 said.

“Even if you're terrible at cooking, [your partner will] like it because you did it. Ask your partner what they want to eat. Don't try to cook them what you want to eat. If you don't know how to cook it — learn it,” he advised. 

The 'Lonely' producer also referred to the Only Murders In The Building actress as his “best friend," adding: "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," he continued. "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."  

Featured image credit: Jon Kopaloff / Getty

Selena Gomez has hit back at fans who have left "hurtful" comments mocking her boyfriend Benny Blanco.

The singer, 31, has been dating the 36-year-old music producer since June 2023, and while most fans were delighted to see how happy he makes her, some chose to leave cruel comments.

After speculation mounted that the pair were dating last year, Selena confirmed the happy news in December 2023.

However, their first post going Instagram official already saw some nasty trolling - and Selena has now hit back.

One cruel commenter called Benny "unhandsome" and Selena hit back at similar comments at the time, saying he was "better than anyone".

She added: "I don't understand. If you actually care about me. This is my happiest. If you don't feel free to say whatever you want. But I will never allow your words to guide my life. Ever. I'm done."

The couple also faced backlash after a social media user shared a video of the attending the Emmys together earlier this year, sharing mean comments about Benny's looks and insinuating that Selena could "do better".

Selena responded to the gross post in a recent interview with Time, in which she revealed that she likes to keep her private life out of the limelight as much as possible to protect her loved ones from incidents such as this.

She revealed it is because she "know[s] what people can do to people [she] love[s]".

Selena also admitted it hurt more when the nasty comments were coming from those claiming to be her own fans, adding: "My own fans, who I adore and feel like have shaped who I am, will say the most hurtful things to me about how I live my life."

Thankfully, she revealed that Benny "has the strength in him that none of that noise fazes him".

She added: "It’s really impressive, and I just cherish every moment with him. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that he’s not going anywhere any time soon."

While Selena is keeping their future plans under wraps for now, Benny has been much more open about his hopes for their future together.

Thankfully, away from the small contingent of fans who clearly never learned the phrase "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all", there has also been an outpouring of support for the couple.

Many fans have rallied around the couple and shared their joy that Selena has found someone who clearly makes her very happy.

They commented: "glad ur happy, you deserve the world," and: "you two are absolutely beautiful together."

Others added: "i love seeing you happy," and: "So happy to see you happy ."

Featured image credit: Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

Selena Gomez’s husband, music producer Benny Blanco, has found himself at the center of an online storm — and it’s not because of his latest creative venture.

The 37-year-old launched his brand-new podcast, Friends Keep Secrets, on Tuesday. But instead of focusing on the content, viewers were left stunned by something far more unexpected.

Fans Distracted By Benny Blanco’s ‘Dirty Feet’ During Podcast Debut

During the episode, Benny appeared relaxed — perhaps a little too relaxed.

Throughout the chat, he placed his feet up on the sofa, and eagle-eyed viewers quickly noticed what they described as visibly dirty soles.

Social media users immediately took to X, formerly Twitter, to voice their disgust and confusion.

Some questioned the cleanliness of his home, while others wondered whether he had been walking outside barefoot before filming.

One user didn’t hold back, writing: “Bro needs to take a shower and hire a better house cleaner.”

Others chimed in with reactions that ranged from disbelief to outright horror: “I am HORRIFIED. not even a minute into this benny podcast and am in complete disbelief."

Some fans even directed their frustration toward Selena Gomez, sharing their sympathy — and criticism.

One person wrote: “i can't do this anymore.... what does selena see in him?”

While a second added: “That is disgusting idk how selena dealing with this”

Inside The ‘Friends Keep Secrets’ Podcast With Dave Burd And Kristin Batalucco

Despite the backlash, Benny’s new project is an ambitious one. He has teamed up with Dave Burd — better known as Lil Dicky — along with Burd’s wife, Kristin Batalucco.

The trio’s podcast features appearances from major A-list names, including Ed Sheeran, Gwyneth Paltrow and Paul Rudd.

Speaking about the concept in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Benny explained: “We're kind of blurring the line of, is it streaming? Is it a podcast? Is it an interview series? Is it a TV show? Is it NPR's Tiny Desk?

“You see Ed [Sheeran] come on and we're making a song from scratch.”

The format appears designed to mix conversation with creativity, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how music can come together in real time.

Benny Blanco has launched a new podcast. Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty

Viral Lakers Game Moment Left Fans ‘Cringing’

This isn’t the first time Benny and Selena have gone viral for an awkward reason.

Back in December, the newlyweds attended a Los Angeles Lakers game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

As the couple made their way through the stadium to their seats, Selena was seen walking behind Benny and reaching for his hand.

However, Benny appeared completely absorbed in the bustling arena atmosphere.

With his hands tucked in his pockets, he continued walking ahead, seemingly unaware that his wife was trying to hold his hand.

It wasn’t until Selena paused to take a selfie with a fan that Benny appeared to notice and hurried back toward her.

The clip quickly circulated across social media, prompting waves of second-hand embarrassment from viewers.

Featured image credit: Amy Sussman/Getty

Selena Gomez has been confronting some of her fans after recently confirming her relationship with singer-songwriter Benny Blanco.

The 31-year-old actress has recently rocked the whole of the internet after seemingly debuting her new relationship as well as fighting for her life in the comment section of a new post.

Gomez, who initially gained fame as a child star and has recently transitioned into a beauty mogul, took to her Instagram Stories to post a black-and-white photograph of her leaning against a man's shoulder with no explanation, though fans were quick to point out that it could be Blanco after the pair had been interacting on social media more than usual in the weeks leading up to the soft launch.

Not only that, but Gomez's mom, Mandy Teefey, also followed Blanco on Instagram, which added more credence to the swirling rumors.

However, the drama really kicked off after the Rare Beauty founder liked a post by the celebrity news fan account PopFaction, who posted a carousel alongside the headline Selena Gomez Seemingly Confirms That She Is in a Relationship, which she commented "facts" under yesterday (December 7).

The post contained images and clips of the star, notably one taken from an episode of Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays where she confirmed that she "has a crush on someone."

But here's where things take an awkward twist as fans started gathering in the comments, seemingly unsupportive of the pair's newfound romance. Some even referred to the artist as "unhandsome."

In response to a comment, she Gomez shot back: "I don’t understand. If you actually care about me. This is my happiest. If you don’t feel free to say whatever you want. But I will never allow your words to guide my life. Ever. I’m done. If you can't accept me at my happiest then don’t be in [my] life at all."

She also replied to other comments including one that hinted she should go to therapy with: "Oh sweetheart. I've been in therapy since I was 18. I know what's best for me and I will fight till I get what I deserve. I appreciate your misguided input but I'm growing. Don't feel free to grow with me just know I'm not going to be with a f***boy ever again. Sorry to disappoint."

She also responded to others stating that Blanco has allegedly "treated me better than any human being on this planet. He is my absolute everything in my heart."

In one of the most awkward exchanges, someone even quotes a comment that Gomez herself had left under her ex Justin Bieber's post about his new girlfriend, stating that he shouldn't be mad at his fans for the hate to which the actress responded back with: "Not mad. It's been 6 months bb. I will always defend my friends family and fans till the day I die."

Hopefully she got the reference though because that was iconic.

As the comments continued to pour in, the news account even screenshotted them all and re-posted them, joking in the caption that it seems as though Gomez is hosting a "Q&A."

Of course, the reaction to Gomez's defence for her new man hasn't been all too positive either, with many branding her as "cringe."

"Miss Selena Gomez is weird for that lmfaoo cringe af? Pick me choose mee," one user said.

"Why is selena gomez up in everyone’s comment section defending her boyfriend like girl it’s not that deep," added another.

"I used to love selena gomez so much but lately she’s been acting too weird I can’t keep defending her," a third stated.

And this user also added: "Selena Gomez defending Benny Blanco with her life while he has shaded her in the past, he is friends with justin and hailey, kinda losing respect for her tbh, she even told justin in 2016 not to do the exact thing she is doing rn lol."

Big yikes.

It comes as Gomez stated that she was taking a break from dating and focusing on other things including her business and her family and friends. The star has previously been linked with Zayn Malik, The Weeknd and most notably Justin Bieber.

Featured Image Credit: Presley Ann/Getty

Benny Blanco has made a heartbreaking admission about his fears regarding his relationship with wife Selena Gomez.

The couple, who went public with their relationship in 2023, first crossed paths as teenagers and later worked together on Blanco's track 'I Can't Get Enough' in 2019.

Despite their seemingly perfect romance, culminating in getting married in September 2025, the 37-year-old music producer admitted to his worries about the future of his relationship with the 'Love You Like A Love Song' singer.

In a candid interview with Interview Magazine, he shared: "I'm so scared she's just going to wake up and be like, 'What? No.'"

However, Gomez, 33, swiftly dismissed his concerns by reassuring him: "You're stuck with me."

Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez at the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards. Credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty

While Blanco's fears may seem surprising given their closeness, Gomez has made it clear that their relationship is built on mutual love and respect.

She described her husband as “very romantic,” pointing to his Valentine’s Day gesture, which was filling a bathtub with nacho cheese and spelling out "I love you" with chips on the floor.

The producer has also spoken about their deep connection, noting: "I remember before I was with her, I was like, 'You know what? I’m going to stop everything I’m doing and just focus all my energy on being a grownup and being with the right person.'

"Now I worship the ground she walks on, and I feel like she’s the same way to me. There’s no ego between us. She’s praying for me to win, and I’m praying for her to win. And I wake up in the morning - I know she does the same thing - and I’m like, 'How can I make her life better?'

"Holding her isn’t close enough. I want to be inside of her whole body. I just feel a thing for her that I can’t even explain. I’m so sappy," he added.

Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez got married last year. Credit: Allen Berezovsky / Getty

While the pair's relationship seems to flourish behind closed doors, they've faced significant public scrutiny, such as Blanco being subjected to a series of hurtful comments from some fans after the 'Good For You' musician confirmed their romance in December 2023.

Gomez didn’t hold back when responding to the cruel remarks about her partner's looks, telling one commenter who called him "unhandsome" that Blanco is "better than anyone".

"I don't understand. If you actually care about me. This is my happiest. If you don't feel free to say whatever you want. But I will never allow your words to guide my life. Ever. I'm done," she added.

Selena and Benny on their wedding day. Credit: Selena Gomez / Instagram.

The former Disney Channel star's response to the online negativity didn’t stop there, as in a 2024 interview with Time, she admitted how much the hurtful comments from her own fans affected her.

“My own fans, who I adore and feel like have shaped who I am, will say the most hurtful things to me about how I live my life,” she shared.

Thankfully, she revealed that Blanco "has the strength in him that none of that noise fazes him," adding: "It’s really impressive, and I just cherish every moment with him. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that he’s not going anywhere any time soon."

Featured image credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty