In a recent interview, actor Ben Affleck, who was previously in a relationship with singer Jennifer Lopez until their separation in 2004, has pointed the finger at tabloid media for contributing to the demise of their romance.
Affleck reflects on the mistreatment that Lopez endured during their time together, citing racist comments from the media. Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast, he acknowledges the harsh criticism Lopez faced and emphasizes that the praise and respect she receives now should have been constant. Affleck contends that, at the height of their relationship, the media always needed a sensational story, and their romance became the focal point during a period of explosive growth in tabloid journalism.
The actor recalls the era when their relationship became a media frenzy, symbolized by their appearance in the "Jenny from the Block" music video, depicting their struggle with obsessive media attention. Despite the couple working together in films like "Gigli" and "Jersey Girl," both of which faced critical and commercial failure, their relationship ultimately succumbed to the intense public scrutiny. Affleck believes that the media narrative at that time overshadowed the personal aspects of their lives.
After their breakup in 2004, both Affleck and Lopez moved on to different relationships and marriages. Affleck married Jennifer Garner, while Lopez wed singer Marc Anthony. Despite the failed romance, Affleck emphasizes that he and Lopez maintained their friendship, staying in touch and expressing mutual respect.
Lopez herself, in a 2018 interview, drew parallels between the scrutiny of her relationship with Affleck and her current engagement to baseball legend Alex Rodriguez. She noted that the media attention was even more intense during her time with Affleck, describing it as "crazy" and highlighting the challenges of being a celebrity in the era of tabloids.
Jennifer Lopez, hailing from the Bronx with Puerto Rican roots, has risen to become an international icon in music, film, and fashion. Recognized for her influence, she has received accolades such as the Vanguard award from MTV, the Fashion Icon award from the CFDA, and a spot on Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in 2018. Lopez continues to dominate music charts, and her impact extends beyond entertainment, making her one-half of a powerful couple with former baseball player Alex Rodriguez.
