Jennifer Lopez recently sat down with stand-up comedian Nikki Glaser for an in-depth conversation featured in Interview’s fall anniversary issue. In her first interview since her split from Ben Affleck, Lopez candidly reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of her summer, revealing personal insights into her life, career, and decision-making process.

Lopez described the challenges of navigating the public fallout from her highly scrutinized marriage and split. “It was like my whole world exploded,” she said, reflecting on the intense scrutiny that came with back-to-back releases of her album This Is Me…Now, a companion film, and a behind-the-scenes documentary. Despite the pressure, Lopez explained that she used this turbulent time to grow. “There’s no arrival point… it’s either growing or dying, and I don’t want to do the dying part,” she shared.
One of the most powerful revelations was Lopez’s decision to spend the summer alone, choosing personal growth over distractions. She admitted it was a difficult time but emphasized, “I am capable of joy and happiness all by myself. Being in a relationship doesn’t define me.”
When asked about the criticism and online backlash she’s faced, Lopez confessed that she’s not entirely immune. “If I see something that’s hurtful, I’m not Teflon,” she said, while affirming that her true happiness comes from within. She added, “Some people are going to love you, some are not going to understand you… and none of that really matters.”
Lopez also touched on her decision to cancel a planned tour, which she explained was due to her need to prioritize her family and personal well-being. “I was devastated to let anybody down, but I just needed to be with my kids and myself,” she said, expressing gratitude for her supportive fan base. “It was the hardest time of my life, but it was also the best because I got to do that work on myself.”
Lopez’s reflections are a reminder of the strength it takes to find happiness within oneself and stay grounded amidst life’s challenges.
Watch the full interview here: