Selena Gomez’s boyfriend, Benny Blanco, was hailed one of the sexiest in People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue for 2024, sparking online controversy. Despite the backlash, he’s more than just a headline—he’s a Hall of Famer who sees a future with Gomez.

Speaking to People for his Sexiest Man Alive feature, Blanco candidly opened up about his rules for being a sexy gentleman. Reflecting on his roots in Virginia, he shared, “I always felt pretty confident. My mom was like, ‘You’re the best,’ and my brother was always so sweet to me. He always paved the way, always made sure people were nice to me.”

A true creative both in and out of the studio, the celebrity is also a devoted food lover and cookbook author. He loves hosting themed dinners at his Los Angeles home, where he cooks favorites like homemade Taco Bell and deep-fried pickles for his girlfriend. Despite his success, it’s the “simple” pleasures that make him happiest, he said.

When it comes to cooking for Gomez, whom he began dating in 2023, his humor shines through. As he joked in another interview, “How can anyone not love you if you’re making them a huge steak with potatoes and salad?”

The two had known each other for years before their relationship blossomed. They even collaborated on the 2021 song “I Can’t Get Enough.” Gomez, who was single for years before dating Blanco, opened up about her journey to finding love in a May 2024 interview.

But after he invited her to a birthday party to meet a friend, she realized her feelings for him. As she put it, “It just happens when you least expect it.”

Responding to the negativity, she posted, “Then why has he been the best thing that’s ever happened to me … he’s still better than anyone I’ve been with. Facts.”

When asked about proposing, he reflected on his feelings for Gomez, saying, “When I look at her, I do say, ‘I’m always just like I don’t know a world where it could be better than this.'”

Despite occasional criticism from fans about her life choices, she expressed admiration for Blanco’s resilience, pointing out his strength in not letting outside opinions affect him. Gomez cherishes their time together, expressing confidence that he “isn’t going anywhere any time soon.”

Despite her appreciation for Blanco’s strength and grounded nature, his recent selection as Sexiest Man Alive has sparked strong reaction.

Another user asked, “This has to be a joke right..? RIGHT?????” “Selena paid for this,” commented another. One user sarcastically questioned, “Is the sexiest man alive in the room with us?”

Meanwhile, on Facebook, people took a more supportive stance, focusing on Blanco’s character. “The way he treats Selena, he’s a gentleman, and that’s a kind of sexy that goes beyond looks,” one user stated.

One commenter reflected, “Honestly I can see it; he treats her like a queen and he respects and loves her. It seems he was raised right. It isn’t always about looks people, it’s what’s inside that counts. And that can make a man sexy.”

The contrasting reactions to Blanco’s title reveal a divide between those who value traditional good looks and those who appreciate character and kindness as forms of attraction. Regardless of the debate, it’s clear that his relationship with Selena Gomez has brought a new layer of public interest and admiration for the couple.