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Salma Hayek and Belinda in the Public Eye: The Gesture That Sparked Controversy During the World Cup

A moment captured on video sparked controversy and divided opinions after an encounter between Salma Hayek and Belinda during a global event.
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Salma Hayek and Belinda in the Public Eye: The Gesture That Sparked Controversy During the World Cup
Foto: Mezcalent
  • Salma Hayek and Belinda
  • Gesture Sparks Debate
  • Social Media Divides Opinions

The encounter between Salma Hayek and Belinda during the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup generated a wave of reactions on social media after a moment was caught on camera.

Both attended the event, where the actress took part in the trophy presentation, while the singer was part of the musical show alongside other artists.

Before her performance, Belinda visited Hayek’s dressing room, where they exchanged greetings and posed for the press, in what appeared to be a cordial moment between both figures.

However, one detail during their goodbye was enough for the video to go viral and trigger divided interpretations among users.

The Gesture That Divided Opinions

Salma Hayek and Belinda controversy
Salma Hayek and Belinda controversy-Photo: EFE

In the images, after the photo session, Belinda can be seen trying to say goodbye with a kiss, but Salma Hayek does not immediately respond to the gesture.

Upon realizing it, the actress offers an apology, but seconds later tells her to continue on her way to the stage, which some interpreted as a snub.

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The reaction sparked comments such as: “Poor Beli, they left her wanting a kiss and a hug” and “did Salma really reject her hug???”

Other users, however, defended the actress: “Look closely, Salma didn’t notice at first” and “I don’t see any rudeness from Salma.”

Mixed Reactions and Viral Spread of the Moment

The clip spread quickly, accumulating opinions that questioned Hayek’s attitude and others that considered it all a misunderstanding.

Some comments directly criticized her behavior, pointing to phrases such as “Salma saying, ‘Yeah, just go already,’” while others downplayed the situation.

There were also those who used the moment to express personal opinions about the actress: “I already didn’t like Salma, and after what she did to Belinda, even less.”

The digital debate showed how a brief gesture can be amplified on social media and become a global topic of conversation within hours.

@theeditorialmexico

Salma Hayek le desea suerte a Belinda antes de salir al escenario para la Inaguración del Mundial #salmahayek #belinda #mundial2026

♬ sonido original – The Editorial México

Analysis Points to No Negative Intent

Amid the controversy, graphologist Maryfer Centeno shared her interpretation of the actress’s body language to clarify what happened.

“Yes, she moves away, but she does not do it intentionally. I don’t see elements to suggest there is antipathy,” she explained regarding Hayek’s reaction.

The specialist added: “Yes, she moves away and they don’t kiss, but not because of rudeness, rather because she is thinking about what is happening outside.”

According to the analysis, the difference lies in where each woman’s attention was focused: “Belinda is thinking about Salma,” which may have created the apparent disconnect in the moment.