Benny Blanco has change of heart after facing backlash for Jollibee review

Still from itsbennyblanco/TikTok

Selena Gomez beau and music producer Benny Blanco just realized what happens when you give cult-favorite food chain Jollibee – a source of comfort food for Filipinos – a “disrespectful” review.

Jollibee’s Chickenjoy goodness (spicy or not) has become a source of Filipino pride that has been passed on to younger generations.

Not just a cult-favorite but also an icon of cultural export with 72 branches across the US, Jollibee was recently a hot topic following Benny Blanco’s controversial review.

Benny Blanco and his Jollibee conundrum

With an apparent display of disgust — vomiting-like gestures and utter disdain, Blanco referred to Chickenjoy as “soggy” and found Filipino spaghetti (of sweet blend with hotdogs) unappealing, spitting out the pasta after tasting it. He also said the rice “tastes like butt.”

@itsbennyblancomy first time trying jollibee♬ Little Things – Adrian Berenguer

Blanco, whose stepmom is Filipino, tried Jollibee food for the first time. His review amassed over 6.6 million views with the comment section flooded with disapproval and disappointment with his assessment.

The top comment amassing over 88,000 likes said, “Benny your literal review about Jollibee is my literal review of you 🥲.”

Not just stirring up fan fervor, his review also caught the attention of Virginia-based Filipino American lawyer Atty. Arnedo Valera, executive director of the Migrant Heritage Commission.

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Valera, a luminary in human rights, international law, environmental law and immigration, didn’t hold back. In a Facebook post, he called out Blanco’s approach for levity and lack of cultural sensitivity and understanding of the food he’s reviewing.

“The manner in which Blanco expressed his disdain…raises concerns about the potential harm such representations can inflict on cultural appreciation and respect,” Valera noted.

“Public figures, like Benny Blanco, have a heightened responsibility to model respect and understanding, especially when engaging with cultures and traditions outside their own,” added Valera.

Encore on redemption

The 35-year-old influencer with a penchant for sharing fast food reviews on TikTok changed his tune after trying Jollibee for the second time on his “Filipino food take 2” video. This time he gave Jollibee positive reviews.

@itsbennyblancofilipino food take 2♬ Little Things – Adrian Berenguer

“Holy f—,” he exclaimed, replacing his first criticism with praise for a Jollibee chicken sandwich. “Not only is this sandwich so good, I completely reverse my opinion of how it sucked. You could go there just for this.”

Despite his attempt at redemption, the Internet is divided. Some lauded his effort to reassess while others couldn’t help but suspect a hint of sarcasm.

Is Blanco’s newfound appreciation for Jollibee genuine, or is it just all for show? Chew on that.