Benny Blanco faces criticism over new Latin-inspired album

Musician and producer Benny Blanco is facing criticism on social media regarding his upcoming Spanish-language album, titled ‘Hermoso’. Critics on platforms such as X and TikTok have accused the artist of cultural appropriation, noting that Blanco, born Benjamin Joseph Levin, is ethnically Jewish and grew up in Virginia rather than being Latino.

The controversy centers on the album’s cover art, which features a caricature. Some social media users have described the imagery as a “grotesque and racist caricature,” while others have compared the project to a “minstrel show.” Conversely, some supporters argue that the artwork is actually a self-deprecating caricature of Blanco himself, intended to mock online insults regarding his physical appearance.

In an interview with El País, Blanco addressed his musical direction, stating that he was heavily influenced by the Latin music and rhythms, such as cumbia, that surrounded him while growing up in an area with a large Latin population.