It’s safe to say that a few months ago, online hate toward Jennifer Lopez was at an all-time high.
For context, J.Lo has received criticism for years. From her relationship history to her singing ability, internet users have always found an excuse to make fun of her online.
But things got way worse in recent months — namely since the release of her album, This Is Me... Now, her movie of the same name, and her documentary, The Greatest Love Story Never Told, earlier this year.
As you might be aware, Jen’s three projects were poorly received by critics. Her album, which was her first in a decade, debuted at No. 38 on the Billboard 200 charts, while her film was branded “weird” and “boring” in reviews.
Meanwhile, several standout moments from Jen’s documentary caused a stir online — like her casually showing private love letters from then-husband Ben Affleck to a bunch of her musicians, which fans found “invasive,” or her so-called “cringey” comments about growing up in the Bronx.
Then the Met Gala rolled around, and Jen was filmed responding very bluntly to a reporter on the red carpet who asked about her outfit. Fans accused her of being “rude” and “dismissive” in the now-viral clip, which further fueled the online hate toward her.
Meanwhile, in May, Jen reportedly detailed feeling “misunderstood” amid the relentless criticism, according to a source who spoke to Entertainment Tonight.
However, things have since taken a huge turn.
As you’re probably aware by now, news broke last month that Jennifer had filed for divorce from Ben after two years of marriage.
Jen filed for divorce from Ben on the second anniversary of their Georgia wedding, two decades after they broke off their first engagement. The singer reportedly listed their official separation date as April 26.
While Jen hasn’t explicitly addressed the divorce yet, she shared a cryptic Instagram post a couple of weeks ago captioned, “Oh, it was a summer.” The carousel featured bikini thirst traps, stunning mirror selfies, and a photo of herself wearing a top that read, “she’s in bloom and unbothered, out of reach and at peace.”
Jen’s post appeared to spark a new wave of positive discourse around her, with several people praising the singer’s “unbothered” vibe. And this favorable commentary only grew further when Jen stepped out at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in a so-called “revenge dress” this past weekend.
In response to several photos and videos of Jen at the event, fans have praised her “charming” demeanor while labeling her an “icon” and “the people's queen.”
Meanwhile, other social media users have even likened J.Lo to Princess Diana, the OG people’s princess.
So, it’s safe to say that J.Lo has — without even trying — managed to win back a large amount of the internet by simply being hot and seemingly thriving amid her divorce.
Now, we all know that people love to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to hating on celebrities — particularly women. Personally, I think this large sudden shift in public opinion toward J.Lo is a perfect example of how fickle the internet can be.
Yes, J.Lo has had her fair share of controversial moments over the years, but it definitely became somewhat trendy to dislike literally everything she did earlier this year. Now, as soon as she’s going through a divorce, steps out in a revenge dress, and posts a few thirst traps, people are obsessed with her again. Welcome to the internet, I guess!