Jennifer Lopez Admits ‘Brutal’ Criticism Is What ‘Really Destroyed’ First Relationship With Ben Affleck
While making the March 2022 cover of Rolling Stone‘s “Icons & Influencers” issue, Jennifer Lopez reflects on her first relationship with current actor/director beau Ben Affleck. The singer/producer/actor admits that “brutal” criticism is what “really destroyed [their union] from the inside out.”
Back in the early 2000s, the couple faced criticism from the media. Examples include a ‘South Park‘ episode calling Lopez a “mean spirited b*tch,” and another instance of comedian/host Conan O’Brien casting a cleaning lady to play her in a skit. With the backlash in mind, Lopez says, “It was brutal. It was brutal. It’s one of those things that you bury very deeply so you can move on and get about your business. It’s funny because Ben and I were together, and we were so in love. It was one of the happiest times of my life.”
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Lopez goes on to say, “There was this other thing happening where we were being criticized. [That] really destroyed our relationship from the inside out. [We were] too young to understand [the more important things in life].” But now, Lopez says, “I won’t talk about it a lot. We’ve both grown. We’re the same, and we’re different. And that’s what’s nice. Having a second chance at real love…yeah. Like I said, we learned a lot. We know what’s real, what’s not real. So it’s just—the game has changed. Again, I’m trying not to say too much.”
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With the backlash in mind, Lopez says, “It was brutal. It was brutal. It’s one of those things that you bury very deeply so you can move on and get about your business. It’s funny because Ben and I were together, and we were so in love. It was one of the happiest times of my life.”