Jennifer Lopez Speaks on Divorce, Media and Being Alone in New Interview

Jennifer Lopez takes center stage on the cover of Interview Magazine for its fifty-fifth anniversary, where she opened up in her first long-form interview since stepping away from the media, sharing her thoughts on the press, solitude, and her divorce from Ben Affleck.

If you’ve been online this year, you’re likely aware that Jennifer Lopez has spent much of it in the public eye. From facing criticism over her bodega order to receiving mixed reviews on her self-funded film This Is Me Now: A Love Story, and even canceling a tour, she’s been the subject of relentless media scrutiny, particularly concerning her marriage to Ben Affleck and speculation about a possible divorce. It’s been an intense year for the multi-talented superstar.

Despite the chaos, the singer has remained resilient. In her Interview Magazine feature, the actress shared that, after such a long career, she’s learned how to navigate public scrutiny.

For the first of six covers celebrating Interview’s 55th anniversary, @JLo joins comedian and actress @NikkiGlaser to really get into it pic.twitter.com/Yt4iRBzWfL

— Interview Magazine (@InterviewMag) October 9, 2024

“I don’t take it as seriously as everybody else. I know I’m a good person. I know I’m a good mom. I know who my friends are. I know my friends know who I am, my mom, my dad, all that stuff,” she stated. “If you hope to have a long career, you have to learn how to deal with that part of the business. Some people are going to love you and some are not going to understand you, and some people just want to hate you to hate you, and none of that really matters.”

Amid this scrutiny, Lopez’s personal life also took a turn. After a summer filled with media speculation, she filed for divorce from her then-husband Ben Affleck in August. For the first time, she is opening up about the split, acknowledging that while it was painful, it was ultimately what she needed.

“Thank you, god. I’m sorry it took me so long. I’m sorry that you had to do this to me so many times. I should have learned it two or three times ago. I get it. You had to hit me really hard over the head with a f****** sledgehammer. You dropped the house on me. Don’t have to do it again.”  The actress told Interview Magazine.

Lopez, who has faced significant criticism over her public relationships throughout the years, shared that while she isn’t actively seeking a new partner, being alone isn’t always easy, but it is necessary.

“It feels lonely, unfamiliar, scary. It feels sad. It feels desperate. But when you sit in those feelings and go, “These things are not going to kill me.” The star stated. “It’s like actually, I am capable of joy and happiness all by myself. Being in a relationship doesn’t define me. I can’t be looking for happiness in other people. I have to have happiness within myself.” 

The star has received widespread praise on social media since the release of her interview.

i’ve always admired her resilience. she’s absolutely correct. https://t.co/w4y7aU8Fad

— Alexander Velez (@actualvillainTV) October 9, 2024

Fans are glad to see J.Lo thriving, happy, and learning.

You can check out the Interview Magazine piece here.