Major Controversies Surrounding Jennifer Lopez: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Jennifer Lopez.

Jennifer Lopez, known as J.Lo, is a multifaceted American entertainer: singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, and businesswoman. A highly influential figure, she's celebrated for breaking barriers for Latino Americans in Hollywood and popularizing Latin pop music. Lopez is recognized for her significant impact on popular culture, shaping trends in fashion, branding, and beauty standards.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1998: Controversy from Movieline Interview

Some of the backlash and fabricated tabloid stories surrounding Jennifer Lopez have been attributed to her 1998 interview with Movieline, in which she was quoted as criticizing various actors and directors, comments she later said were made in jest and taken out of context.

December 27, 1999: Arrested after Times Square shooting

On December 27, 1999, Jennifer Lopez, Sean Combs, and Shyne were arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon and possession of stolen property following a shooting at a Times Square nightclub.

1999: Anti-Lopez sentiment online

By 1999, according to Frances Negrón-Muntaner, "Internet chat rooms exploded with anti-Lopez babble," and Jennifer Lopez became "one of the easiest moving targets for cheap laughs as well as anxieties about working-class 'loud' sexuality and specifically Latino visibility."

2003: Media criticism, firing of managers, starring in 'Gigli', release of 'Still Jennifer Lopez' fragrance, and becoming the face of Louis Vuitton

In 2003, Jennifer Lopez faced widespread media criticism due to her relationship with Ben Affleck and her depiction as a demanding diva. In mid-2003, she fired her personal manager Benny Medina and her publicist. She starred in the film 'Gigli', which was a box-office bomb. Also, in 2003 she released her second fragrance, 'Still Jennifer Lopez', and became the face of Louis Vuitton's fall advertising campaign.

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2003: Reflecting on Nude Scene in U Turn

In 2003, Jennifer Lopez reflected on a nude scene added by director Oliver Stone in the film U Turn in 1997, stating it was not something she would have chosen to do and that she fought with Stone over it.

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2003: Misogyny and Racism

In 2003, Lawrence Donegan of The Guardian posited that "indefensible" misogyny and racism were to blame for Jennifer Lopez's position as "the most vilified woman in modern popular culture".

2011: Criticism at the American Music Awards

At the 2011 American Music Awards, Jennifer Lopez's performance, where she wore a nude bodysuit, was criticized by Robin Givhan of The Daily Beast for being attention-seeking and "banal exhibitionism."

May 2013: Controversy on Britain's Got Talent

In May 2013, Jennifer Lopez's performance on the finale of Britain's Got Talent was deemed inappropriate for family-friendly television, leading to viewer complaints to Ofcom.

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2015: Controversy at Mawazine Festival

Following her controversial performance at the Mawazine musical festival in 2015, Jennifer Lopez faced criticism from Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, who called it "indecent" and "disgraceful". An education group claimed that she "disturbed public order and tarnished women's honor and respect".

2020: Super Bowl halftime show political statement

In 2020, during her Super Bowl halftime show performance, Jennifer Lopez made a statement about the Mexico–United States border crisis and Trump's immigration policy by performing with children in metal cages.