Music producer Benny Blanco has come under fire for a TikTok video deemed disrespectful and insensitive by the Filipino community.
The American producer is known for writing hit songs such as Ed Sheeran‘s “Castle on the Hill,” Justin Bieber‘s “Love Yourself,” and Katy Perry‘s “Teenage Dream.” He also produced BTS‘s collaboration song with Snoop Dogg, “Bad Decisions.”
Known for hit songs like “Castle on the Hill” and “Love Yourself,” Blanco recently posted a video trying Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee. Jollibee is a beloved icon in the Philippines, known for its unique twists on classic dishes like spaghetti and fried chicken.
However, Blanco’s reaction to the food sparked outrage. In the video, he was seen covering his nose upon opening the spaghetti and spitting out a bite after claiming it “smelled like vomit.”
It’s so disrespectful. It’s ok if the food is not to your taste but spitting out perfectly good food and something that’s so close to Filipino ppl’s heart. What a rude ass man Benny Blanco pic.twitter.com/Wp4npTwEcu
— prince kim's fan || ʟᴀʏᴏ(ꪜ)ᴇʀ (@WinterTaeta) March 2, 2024
Filipinos found Blanco’s actions and words deeply offensive. Many expressed that spitting out food was not only wasteful but disrespectful to their culture and the hard work put into preparing the meal.
benny blanco saying that he grew up eating filipino food THEN full on disrespecting jollibee and its filipino food ESPECIALLY filipino spaghetti pic.twitter.com/3WHvLeb1JL
Beyond personal preference, Filipinos took issue with Blanco’s perceived lack of cultural awareness. They pointed out his seemingly contradictory claim of having grown up eating Filipino food, while appearing unfamiliar with the distinct flavors.
Idc if Benny Blanco doesn't like Jollibee. Not everyone does.
BUT the fact that he has to show how disgusted he is verbally and to even spit the food in a video seen worldwide… This guy has no manners, that's it. Selena should wake up that she's dating a 🚩🚩🚩 again 😪🙃 pic.twitter.com/J8y6B8bCTj
Most importantly, the issue went beyond personal preferences, touching upon the cultural significance of Jollibee. Filipino TikToker Reen (@r33nberger) highlighted that Jollibee’s spaghetti is more than just a dish; it’s a symbol of Filipino resilience.
“As much as we love watching foreigners try Jollibee for the first time… Jollibee is not catered to you. Our version of spaghetti is deeply rooted in the fact that poverty is high in the Philippines. So a lot of Filipinos do with whatever they have available. That spaghetti is sweet because Filipinos created the sauce out of a ketchup bottle because it’s cheaper than fresh tomatoes. That spaghetti has hotdogs in it because processed food is relatively cheaper than actual meat. That spaghetti symbolizes a very distinct Filipino trait that we will rise out of a struggle and we can and will make something out of nothing.”
While expressing personal opinions is certainly allowed, the way Blanco did so was deemed offensive by many. As Reen stated, “You are not entitled to like Jollibee, but there is a way to express that without being distasteful.”
Benny Blanco should eat Selena’s sh*t. Im not defending Jollibee but the way this d*ckhead made fun of eating chicken and spitting spaghetti back is just disgusting. White people are really stupid. pic.twitter.com/lKucGLO69K
While expressing personal preferences is everyone’s right, the manner of expression is crucial. Blanco’s video, though intended as a lighthearted review, went viral for the wrong reasons, highlighting the importance of cultural awareness and respectful communication, especially when engaging with diverse communities and their cherished traditions.
About Jollibee: Jollibee is the leading fast-food chain in the Philippines, known for its unique take on American comfort food. Jollibee has become a cultural icon, representing Filipino joy, community, and resourcefulness. You can find Jollibee locations in the Philippines and various countries around the world.
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