Ben Affleck’s cousin has humorously declared herself the new “Jenny from the Block” in the wake of Jennifer Lopez’s recent divorce filing from the actor.
Jennifer Affleck, who is married to Ben’s first cousin once removed, Zac Affleck, made the playful reference in a TikTok video she posted over the weekend. The clip features her getting her hair styled by co-star Jessi Ngatikaura, all while dancing to Lopez’s 2002 hit “Jenny from the Block.” The caption read, “The new Jenny from the Block 😉,” a nod to the high-profile split between Ben and Jennifer Lopez.
The video, intended as a light-hearted joke, sparked a wave of criticism. Many viewers took issue with the timing, arguing that it was insensitive to reference Lopez’s iconic song while she and Ben Affleck are navigating their divorce. Comments ranged from descriptions of the post as “diabolical” to accusations of being “tacky and immature.” Critics also suggested that Jennifer Affleck should avoid making light of the divorce, considering the emotional and personal stakes involved.
Jennifer Affleck, 25, is set to make her reality TV debut on the upcoming Hulu series “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” The show delves into the lives of Mormon mom influencers dealing with the aftermath of a “swinging sex scandal,” and is set to premiere on Friday. In a promotional statement, Jennifer expressed her excitement about offering viewers a deeper look into her life as a young mother and wife, as well as challenging stereotypes about Mormons and their lifestyle.
This isn’t the first time Jennifer Affleck has referenced J.Lo in her social media content. In a 2022 TikTok video, she was seen dancing to a children’s song with her baby, humorously reflecting on how she had hoped to follow in Lopez’s footsteps but felt overshadowed by the pop star’s success.
Jennifer Affleck is married to Zac Affleck, whose father is a first cousin of Ben and his brother, Casey Affleck. Despite the familial connection, her playful jab at Lopez has stirred a range of reactions, highlighting the complex dynamics at play amid the high-profile divorce.