I’m pretty sure I know why I was given this story, and all I can say is, “You go, J-Lo!” Jennifer Lopez, still looking stunning at 47, was a guest on Tuesday’s episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, promoting the return of her NBC cop series Shades of Blue, which is scheduled to air its season premiere on Sunday, March 5.
During the interview, the topic of her recent romance with 30-year-old Drake (which is already a thing of the past) came up and Ellen pressed Jennifer for details. Jennifer got on the defensive, telling Ellen that she’s not out looking for younger men to date, asserting, “It’s not like you have to be younger, it’s not about that. I just meet people and if I go out with them, I go out with them, and if I like them, I like them and if I don’t, I don’t. It’s just about the person. It’s about who they are, it has nothing to do with age.”
As for her relationship with 29-year-old former beau Casper Smart, she said, “he was younger and that was the first guy I ever dated younger than me and then I got labeled right away.” She then spelled out what she looks for in a man, which is what I would assume any woman would look for, stating, “If they’re older, they’re older. If they’re younger, they’re younger. It doesn’t matter. It’s whether or not I’m attracted to them or not, attracted to their spirit, their soul, whatever their energy is.” You can see the clip below.
I never thought the words “I can totally relate to Jennifer Lopez” would ever emerge from my lips, but I’m telling the truth here. A few years ago, I dated a guy 18 years younger than myself and I didn’t date him because of the perceived allure of that age difference. I dated him because of the person he is. I do feel bad that Jennifer – and other entertainers who date younger men (but not just for the sake of a reality show…*cough* Mariah Carey) get labeled like that. I’ve always said – and I believe it 100% – that you can’t choose who you love. As long as you’re happy, everyone is of age and no one gets hurt, the rest doesn’t matter. Screw the haters and live your best life. I think that’s what Jennifer is doing and I applaud her for it.
Oh, and for those of you who might still be ‘shipping Jennifer and her ex-husband Marc Anthony, for whom rumors of a reconciliation continue to circulate, here’s some fuel for your fire. The pair reunited on Monday to celebrate the birthday for their twins Max and Emme, who turn 9 today. The kids’ godmother, Leah Remini, took some time out of taking down the Church of Scientology to join Marc and Jennifer for the celebration, posting a photo with her husband, Angelo, and with Marc ’n’ Jen.
I doubt these two are reconciling. We’ve heard that Marc has a 21 year-old girlfriend, which is a much larger age difference than Jennifer and her boyfriends. I think its wise that they maintain a professional relationship, as many of their duets are quite lovely – and it’s always good that they have a healthy, friendly relationship for their kids. I definitely think Jennifer has moved on, and she really sounds like she’s got her head in the right space.
Photo credit: WENN.com, Fame Flynet
Quick note… “Still X at Y age” writing isn’t as flattering as it was once believed and tends to promote the idea that beauty, vitality, creativity, contribution, athleticism etc. after a certain age is the exception not the norm.
J Lo looks great, period. NOT because of her age or in spite of her age.
I share your point of view. I was a little unhappy about that sentence aswell. Thank you for pointing it out.
This^^
I work with a bunch of guys and when they say that, it really irks. Esp since I’m 41. Just say they look good.
I love her look in Shades of Blue. Vampire!
i hate that they make it a big deal for women, but for men no one ever seems to mention it.
i’m fine with age gaps as they don’t bother me usually, but i have limits. a 40 yo shouldn’t date younger than 25 imo, mostly bc life experiences are just way too different and they don’t seem balanced relationships.
Totally agree. In my late 30’s I dated a guy 13 years older. We’d both lived and experienced plenty in our lives by then. A person in their 20’s has not. My 22 year old friend just had a baby with a guy in his late 40’s. By the time shes 40, still pretty young, he’ll be 70. She’s upset that she didn’t think about the future
Nobody mentions it? Every time I see an article here about an older guy dating a younger woman, the writer and/or commenters make some remark about how it isn’t too cool he’s dating someone so young and how they liked him better when he dated someone “age-appropriate.”
Actually you can choose who you ‘fall’ in love with. And people do all the time. She likes younger men, so what? Just own it.
Sure, Jen, suuuuuuure.
I have no problem with her dating younger men. Good on her. But this quote is ridiculous: “If they’re older, they’re older. If they’re younger, they’re younger. It doesn’t matter. It’s whether or not I’m attracted to them or not, attracted to their spirit, their soul, whatever their energy is.”
No, you’re not attracted to “their spirit, their soul.” You’re attracted to their tight bods and cute bums. That’s why you’re always dating hot guys, not dumpy older guys.
Marc Anthony might be charming, but he is not the exactly the definition of “hot” .
Ditto for Casper, ewwwww. Drake is pretty fug IMO too.
I date “younger guys” (I’m 30, they’re usually 23-25) and get labeled for it all the time. Younger guys are more fun and less of a hassle thean their older counterparts. Most men “my age” are single because they’re infantile and immature and can’t grow up, but there’s something wrong with me for not wanting to deal with it? I figure if I’m going to deal with childish behavior, I might as well have fun. Anyway I feel for JLo. I’m not even old and I get hated on so hard. I didn’t choose these guys, they just happened to be the better of options. Go figure. I recently went out with a 35 year old and he spent the whole time bashing me for it. But now I just own it. So what. I’m going to date whomever I want to. At the end of the day it’s what works for me.
I was never a fan of hers… Never liked her music or acting… But dang, she is a beautiful woman. She just gets better looking.
I would imagine guys any age would be interested in her. I personally don’t like younger guys… But she should be proud to date whoever she chooses.
Man has dated and married younger women for centuries….
As the half of a couple with an age gap (me 36, him 49) I can say it is really for the person.
I have always dated “age appropriate” guys, then I’ve met my current boyfriend and it happened…I didn’t even think at his age. Not even for a second. Only once we talked about it, he asked me if I was scared of his 64 years old. I answered: “if we still be together (we are both divorced) we will see”.
Only recently I’ve started noticing that thare are some people who stare at us in public, but I don’t mind it too much.
On another related note: J.Lo. looks great with shorter and curly hair !
Marc’s new girlfriend resembles JLO with the curly hair style IMO.
I grew up being told the man should always be older than me. And for a looong time I only ever dated older men which, being in my teens & 20s was not all too difficult. Now in my 30s I believe that’s total & complete Bs. I’ve only dated 1 younger guy (not too much younger) thus far but I had fun with him. I enjoyed being with him for that time & now I’m like to hell with age. Idk what the long term with a younger man would be, but I know the short term is fun.
On A Side Note:
My cousin is one of her backup dancers in Vegas & he says she’s so funny & great to be around. Her energy is contagious & she really is THAT beautiful all the time. I was never a fan of hers but I have really warmed up to her over the years. More so now that she’s become so much more relatable & an insider told me this is really so. So, yes, GO JLO!