Benny Blanco, Selena Gomez’s boyfriend, is criticized for his “disrespectful” review of Jollibee
BENNY BLANCO – The boyfriend of Selena Gomez tried other Pinoy dishes after facing backlash from his Jollibee taste test.
The American music producer sparked controversy among Filipinos when he posted a TikTok video trying Jollibee for the first time and expressing his dislike for most of the dishes. He shared his taste test, stating that his step-mom is from the Philippines, giving him some familiarity with Filipino cuisine.
In the video, Benny tasted various items from Jollibee, including fried chicken, “adobo rice,” Chickenjoy with gravy, pineapple juice, Pinoy-style spaghetti, and peach mango pie. He criticized the “adobo rice” and spaghetti, describing them as tasting bad and even likening the spaghetti’s smell to vomit. However, he found some redemption in the Chickenjoy and peach mango pie, which he deemed “good.”
Filipinos had mixed reactions to Benny’s review, with some viewing it as disrespectful to the beloved fast-food chain, while others defended him, noting that Jollibee in the US may taste different from its Filipino counterparts.
Following the backlash, Benny attempted to make amends by trying other Pinoy dishes from highly-rated restaurants in Los Angeles in a subsequent TikTok video. He expressed newfound appreciation for these dishes, including the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, lumpia, longganisa, chicken inasal, and pansit.
@itsbennyblanco filipino food take 2
♬ Little Things – Adrian Berenguer
While some TikTok users acknowledged Benny’s efforts to make up for his initial critique, others felt that the damage had already been done. Some even jokingly suggested he try balut, a controversial Filipino delicacy, to fully make amends.
Meanwhile, Benny Blanco, whose real name is Benjamin Joseph Levin, is an American record producer, songwriter, and artist. He has worked with numerous high-profile artists in the music industry, including Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Rihanna, and many more. Blanco has received several awards for his songwriting and production skills, including the Hal David Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame and multiple BMI Songwriter of the Year Awards.
Benny is currently in a relationship with singer Selena Gomez. To recall, it was in December last year when they confirmed their romance.
