Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been on a mission to embed themselves among Hollywood’s elite, forging friendships with notable stars like Oprah Winfrey and George Clooney.
However, it appears that one A-list celebrity, Jennifer Lopez, is no longer part of their star-studded circle. Once considered a close acquaintance—so much so that Meghan reportedly had JLo on speed dial—the Duchess of Sussex now seems to view the superstar as more of an unwanted guest. According to recent rumors circulating in celebrity gossip circles, Meghan’s growing reluctance to engage with JLo coincides with Lopez's recent single status after her latest breakup.
In the early days, Prince Harry’s infatuation with “Jenny from the Block” was lighthearted and playful. But now, with JLo's love life resembling a reality show in full swing, Meghan is said to be keeping her distance, not wanting to be drawn into what she perceives as drama. The idea of being associated with Lopez’s high-profile relationship ups and downs is apparently far from appealing to Meghan, who is already managing her own public image challenges and ambitious career pursuits. An insider close to Meghan reportedly claimed that her “cold shoulder” approach to JLo may be a missed opportunity, as Lopez could potentially provide the star power Meghan’s new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, would benefit from. Yet, Meghan seems to think it’s better to steer clear of potential tabloid fodder. After all, headlines like “Harry’s Old Crush Causes Royal Ruckus” are the last thing she needs.
It’s an ironic twist, given how close the Sussexes once were with Lopez. The two couples famously shared a memorable double date with JLo and then-fiancé Alex Rodriguez in California, sparking a connection that seemed solid. But now that Lopez is single again, Meghan appears to be adopting a protective stance, especially when Harry reportedly floated the idea of rekindling their friendship. Meghan, however, views the possibility of reconnecting with JLo—now a highly desirable single woman freshly out of a high-profile relationship—as potentially troublesome. “Hey, let’s reach out to one of the world’s most sought-after women who just got out of a messy breakup,” Meghan might be thinking sarcastically. And with Meghan’s seasoned eye for PR strategy, she’s perhaps wise to assume that the headlines would not be kind.
Adding to Meghan’s apprehension are the increased pressures the couple faces in their own marriage, with both Meghan and Harry making more solo public appearances. Harry has recently traveled to the U.K. for events alone, fueling whispers of potential marital strife. Meanwhile, Meghan has been busy with her lifestyle brand and personal appearances, including a recent solo visit to an L.A. Children’s Hospital gala. There’s no credible suggestion that their marriage is in trouble, yet observers note that the dynamics of their partnership seem to be evolving in subtle but significant ways. The Sussexes appear to be eyeing more connections with high-profile figures like the Obamas, leading some to speculate that the couple’s social ambitions are shifting, with each partner taking on individual endeavors.
Amid all this change, Meghan’s caution about which single celebrities to welcome into their inner circle is understandable. With the couple under a constant media microscope, any new associations with high-profile single stars could spark comparisons, rumors, and challenges Meghan may feel are better avoided.
