Hollywood superstar Jennifer Lopez has opened up about her past marriages and relationships, admitting that she has never truly experienced real love, despite her long list of high-profile romances.
Speaking on The Howard Stern Show on Wednesday, the 56-year-old actress and singer reflected on her 2023 divorce from Ben Affleck, describing it as “the best thing” that ever happened to her.
When I got divorced this last time, it was the best thing that ever happened to me, Lopez said. Because it really made me go on a journey. I had a religious coach, a therapist, a couple’s therapist, an individual therapist… I had everything. I told myself, ‘I’m going to figure this out if it kills me.
The Hustlers star, who has been married four times to Ojani Noa, Cris Judd, Marc Anthony, and most recently Ben Affleck revealed that her failed marriages helped her understand herself better.
When asked if she had ever truly been loved, Lopez replied “no,” adding that she has now realized that part of the problem came from not loving herself enough.
What I learned is that it’s not that I’m not lovable it’s that they’re not capable. They gave me what they had the houses, the rings, the marriage but it wasn’t love. I didn’t love myself, and that’s where it started, she explained.
Lopez noted that therapy and self-reflection helped her reach a place of peace and confidence after years of public scrutiny over her relationships.
I’m able to sit here now in a much more self-assured, self-aware way, she said. I know who I am, and I appreciate that person all the good parts and even the complicated ones.”
The Maid in Manhattan star previously made similar remarks on CBS Sunday Morning in September, saying that her divorce from Affleck “helped me grow in the way I needed to grow” and become “more self-aware.
I realized that the joy is in living in embracing every moment and every lesson. Once I learned that, everything just became lighter, she added.
Lopez and Affleck first dated in the early 2000s, rekindled their romance in 2021, and married in Las Vegas in July 2022. However, the relationship ended less than two years later, with Lopez filing for divorce in August 2024.
Their split, though widely publicized, appears to have brought the singer a deeper understanding of love and self-worth. I still feel like I want to fly higher, Lopez said with a smile.
Fans React
The singer’s comments stirred a mix of empathy and criticism online.
@nacy_oprah_ wrote: “Me I must see true love oh, I no wan know if it costs a thing or plenty things.”
@hatshepsuti added: “She should also check herself — did she give them true love too?”
@cardinal__foods said: “You’ve been married four times and none of their love was true? Maybe it’s time for some inward reflection.”
Others defended her, with @queen_kateelfrida noting: “She said what she said, and that’s on period.”
Despite the divided reactions, Lopez’s candidness continues to resonate with fans who see her story as one of personal evolution and strength.
