Just two hours after confirming her romantic relationship with record producer Benny Blanco, Selena Gomez found herself clapping back at fans on Instagram who had doubts about her relationship with the 35-year-old.
“Then why is he the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Gomez replied to a disapproving fan. “He’s still better than anyone I’ve been with,” she added, throwing shade at all her exes.
So, how did we get here? Let’s dive in for a complete timeline of Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s relationship, from when they first met to where they stand now—and why some fans are so up in arms about the whole thing.
December 9, 2023: Selena Gomez made her first grid pic post since confirming her relationship with Blanco. Although she limited comments on the photo dump, teasing a new Rare Beauty project, Blanco managed to respond with a heart-eye emoji. This seems to be the first acknowledgment of their relationship from his side since the news went public.
“To more moments like these…☁️,” she captioned the photos. “Can’t wait to show you guys what we’ve been working on!”
December 8, 2023: Gomez shares a photo of her left hand, showing off a blinged-out “B” ring on her ring finger, with no caption.
She later displayed the “B” ring in another Instagram story, despite previously announcing that she’s “leaving Insta for a while.”
December 7, 2023: Selena Gomez comments, “Facts,” on a post by Instagram account @popfactions, which shared the headline, “Selena Gomez Seemingly Confirms Relationship With Benny Blanco.”
After confirming her relationship, Gomez comes to defend her new boyfriend in the comments of several fan accounts, standing up for Blanco to followers who question whether he’s a good match for her.
“That man was shading you years ago,” one follower commented, to which Gomez replied, “Lol yeah and he’s still better than anyone I’ve ever been with.”
One fan quoted Gomez’s own words back at her after she called out followers who disapprove of Blanco: “If you can’t handle the hate, then stop posting pictures of your boyfriend lol- It should be special between you two only. Don’t be mad at your fans. They love you and supported you before any one ever did.” Gomez originally wrote those comments on a photo of her ex Justin Bieber and his then girlfriend Sofia Richie back in 2016.
Gomez responded, “Not mad. It’s been 6 months bb. I will always defend my friends family and fans till the day I die.”
Two hours after writing “Facts,” Gomez posted a selfie in which she’s cuddling with a man who appears to be Blanco. Shortly after, she shared another story with a sharp message for fans: “Just a reminder of how much I appreciate and love each and every one of you,” she wrote.
