news archives

December 31, 2002 - Anonymous writes "According to Ju-Ju of The Beatnuts during the interview of MuchMoreMusic(missess+kissess+dissess), the beat of Jennifer Lopez's 'Jenny From The Block' is rigged from their rap song 'Watch Out Now' (1999). He said, "They are whack! That beat was ours. They did not took the original sample, they took ours! That is our beat! They are so whack!" Listen for yourself on the instrumental version here."

December 30, 2002 - CR02 writes "It seems as though every time we see the 'it couple' making out its always in that $250,000 Bentley convertible. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have been spotted by the press all over the West cost in the past months in the back of the coupe. Check out the latest photos here, including photos from just last week!"

December 28, 2002 - Jay Leno joked during his Tonight Show monologue on Friday, "In National Enquirer, Jennifer Lopez is now on a starvation diet, and she wants to lose some weight before she gets married to Ben Affleck. She looks great, but she said she's put on a few pounds the last couple of years, ironically mostly from eating wedding cake."

December 28, 2002 - 'Jenny From the Block' falls to #5 on the new Billboard 100, while Jennifer Lopez and LL Cool J's, 'All I Have,' climbs 10 spots to #15.

December 27, 2002 - Paula Zahn of CNN spoke with Liz Smith about the celeb events of 2002, including the Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck engagement. "You know, I had lunch yesterday with a bunch of women," Smith explained. "These seven women all said they felt that this was a publicity- generated romance. That it wasn't for real. And I'm so naive I thought, wow, I bought the whole thing. People already have them divorced; they're not married yet. And she's not divorced yet." Read more.

December 27, 2002 - Popdirt.com's last poll asking what you thought of Jennifer Lopez's new movie 'Maid in Manhattan' had 47.7% say skip it, while only 16.6% said to see it. The remainder of voters either hadn't seen the film or advised to watch it when it comes out on video.

December 27, 2002 - Popdirt.com's latest poll asks what you think was the best album released in 2002 (in America). Vote for 'This Is Me... Then' here.

December 27, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez tells InStyle magazine that she doesn't mind comparisons to Elizabeth Taylor, who has been married eight times. "I'm not mad if people call me the modern-day Liz Taylor," J.Lo said. "We've all had a love of our life and failed love affairs. I'm just the biggest romantic it's really sad," Lopez says. "I tell people that but nobody listens. They're too busy writing about the thread count they think I demand." Read more.

December 27, 2002 - Jay Leno joked during his Tonight Show monologue on Thursday, "According to the British tabloids, Jennifer Lopez may put her Valentine's Day wedding to Ben Affleck on hold. It turns out she already has two other weddings scheduled for the same day. [Laughter] She still loves him, it's just a scheduling problem."

December 24, 2002 - The New York Post reports when the subject turned to Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez during a recent taping of Last Call with Carson Daly, Robin Williams predicted, "Ben goes the distance. I'm giving him odds one year beyond. Most people don't last two rounds. I'm saying he goes 12 technical."

December 24, 2002 - The Sunday People reports there is more diva-like behavior coming from Jennifer Lopez. She insists that lackeys spray her hotel rooms with her own J.Lo-endorsed perfume before she arrives.

December 23, 2002 - JLoPlatinum.com has an exclusive video, of Jennifer Lopez in 1999 on BET's Documentary Series, 'Docugroove'. Download it here.

December 23, 2002 - The Sunday People reports there is more diva-like behavior coming from Jennifer Lopez. She insists that lackeys spray her hotel rooms with her own J.Lo-endorsed perfume before she arrives.

December 22, 2002 - Tabloid reports that had Jennifer Lopez calling off her marriage to Ben Affleck are untrue according to her rep. "There was never a Valentine's wedding day, so there isn't any wedding to call off," the rep told the New York Daily News.

December 22, 2002 - The Las Vegas Review Journal reports Jennifer Lopez's tightfisted ways with fiance Ben Affleck's tips have earned her a new nickname among local dealers: Pay.Low.

December 21, 2002 - The New York Post's Best and Worst honors for 2002 include: Best Instance of Typecasting in a Movie Set in New York, 'Maid in Manhattan.' They comment, "We've always wondered why Jennifer Lopez isn't cleaning hotel rooms for a living." Worst Restaurant Concept, Nyla. They comment, "Britney Spears in the kitchen is like a whore in a church." Read more.

December 21, 2002 - Dave Letterman's patented loony holiday cards that were mailed to friends this week - including Regis Philbin, who joked about the card on 'Live with Regis & Kelly' with co-host Kelly Ripa, features the Late Night host walking down the aisle with Jennifer Lopez. "It's been a special year," reads the inside of the card. "Happy Holidays from your friends at the Late Show." Check out more, including a photo of the card, here.

December 21, 2002 - Malcolm X Abram of the Beacon Journal reviewed Jennifer Lopez's new CD 'This Is Me... Then'. Abram writes, "Jennifer Lopez can't sing. Luckily for her she's easy on the eyes, and has access to a lot of talented producers who can cushion her thin, reedy voice in funky beats and guest rappers so that her fans are never really forced to deal with her lack of vocal talent." Read more.

December 20, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez was at the Ivy Restaurant in Beverly Hills where she had lunch with friends on Thursday (December 19). J.Lo later shopped at a furniture store in Beverly Hills. Check out photos from GettyImages.

December 20, 2002 - Popdirt.com's latest poll asks what you thought of Jennifer Lopez's new film 'Maid in Manhattan'. Vote here.

December 20, 2002 - Associated Press reports Jennifer Lopez can keep the name of her signature scent until a federal judge rules whether the perfume 'Glow by J. Lo' violates Glow Industries trademark. "Glow Inc. has not demonstrated that it will probably prove a likelihood of consumer confusion," U.S. District Judge Margaret Morrow ruled on Tuesday. Read more.

December 19, 2002 - J.Lo's new single featuring LL Cool J, 'All I Have,' debuts at #25, making it the highest Hot 100 debut of the year. Madonna's 'Die Another Day' previously held the title with #40 debut.

December 19, 2002 - The Sun reports Jennifer Lopez's Valentine's Day wedding to Ben Affleck is off because of J.Lo's bitter feud with Ben's best pal Matt Damon. Pals say Matt tried to talk Ben out of the marriage with Lopez. "They still love each other and want to get married some day — but it won’t happen on Febuary 14," said a source. "Jen feels like there are three of them in the relationship and is terrified Matt will poison Ben against her."

December 19, 2002 - The National Enquirer reports Toni Braxton exploded when a writer compared her to Jennifer Lopez. A close family friend of the six-time Grammy winner revealed, "Toni said the writer needed to get his hearing checked! She asked, 'How could anyone possibly put me and Jennifer Lopez in the same sentence? It's such bullsh**!' She is furious that anyone would dare compare her voice to J.Lo's." The source continued, "Toni yelled, 'I dont' need $2 million worth of studio equipment to sing! Jennifer can act and she's one hell of a businesswoman - but she cannot touch my voice!'"

December 19, 2002 - Star magazine reports Jennifer Lopez is secretly taking massage lessons and bought the ultimate massage table for fiance Ben Affleck, who loves getting massages and has a female masseuse he frequently hires. Well J.Lo isn't happy about that, so her new skill and the $60,000 luxury leather platform, customized by Gucci, is the perfect way for Lopez to keep the other woman from giving him a rubdown... and a great Christmas gift as well.

December 19, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez's latest movie, 'Maid in Mahattan' the #1 movie in America, was given the good 'Two Thumbs Up' rating by Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper. The pair called the film "charming" and Roeper says J.Lo was "wonderful as an actress." You can listen to the audio here.

December 19, 2002 - Jay Leno joked during his Tonight Show monologue on Wednesday, "The top movie continues to be 'Maid in Manhattan.' Have you seen this film? In the film, Jennifer Lopez tried to keep secret from the guy she's dating that she's a maid. She doesn't want him to think she's a maid. See, men never think of you as a maid while they're dating you. After they marry you, then they start to think of you as a maid. But never, never before. No. Never before."

December 18, 2002 - The Scottish Daily Record reports after a frenetic day's shopping at Beverly Hills boutiques Barney's of New York and Maxfield's, followed by a visit to LA's top bookstore, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck decided to get some food, but stuck with simple cuisine. The couple waited patiently in line at the nearest pizza shop while starstruck staff looked on. Read more.

December 17, 2002 - Jay Leno joked during his Tonight Show monologue on Monday, "Jennifer Lopez's new movie, 'Maid in Manhattan,' the number one movie at the box office, took in like $20 million. It's about a rich guy who falls for a maid at the hotel where he's staying. Isn't that the plot of every porno movie ever made?" He added, "And the number two film was 'Star Trek: Nemesis.' That was the number two film. So the number one movie is a date movie, and the number two movie is a movie for guys who can't get dates."

December 17, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez tells InStyle magazine that her brainy fiance Ben Affleck wasn't fooled by the rock that he got to propose to her. "I don't think people know this about Ben, but he's really smart. Genius smart," J.Lo gushed. "He's like a sponge. He reads everything. So with him, it's not just going out and buying a ring. He has to find out how many different kinds of diamonds there are, and which are the best." What did she think of his Harry Winston pink-diamond decision? "I like it because it's rare," Lopez said. "It's an extraordinary stone you won't see anywhere else." Read more.

December 17, 2002 - Success, Jennifer Lopez insists, hasn't really changed her. "When you are from where I come from and how I grew up, you never feel like you have really achieved," Lopez tells Sean Daly of Entertainment Today. "You always feel like you are struggling." Read more.

December 17, 2002 - WENN reports Jennifer Lopez has told her mother not to call her J.Lo. "I still like Jennifer or Jenny. J.Lo just caught on," she said. "My mom has a problem with the J.Lo thing. I say, 'Mom, don't call me J.Lo.' It's like the other person. It's not me. It's the other celebrity person."

December 16, 2002 - Jeff Blake, president of worldwide marketing and distribution for Columbia spoke with the New York Daily News after Jennifer Lopez's 'Maid in Manhattan' topped the box office over the weekend, bringing in $19 million, just enough to beat out 'Star Trek: Nemesis,' which made an estimated $18.8 million. "We're extremely happy with our numbers," said Blake. "To be No. 1 against a great franchise like 'Star Trek' is a real bonus." Read more.

December 15, 2002 - One would think that all of Jennifer Lopez's success came as the result of some grand scheme, but her former agent and 'Maid in Manhattan' producer Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas tells George Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal that's not the case. "I will tell you as an ex-agent, you never have a plan," she said. "If you have a plan, you're finished. If someone tells you they have a plan, they're not on top." Read more.

December 15, 2002 - 710 KIRO's Tom Tangney reviews the Jennifer Lopez film 'Maid In Manhattan'. Listen to the audio review, where Tangney calls the film "the worst romantic comedy of the year" here.

December 15, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez spoke to US Weekly about her movie 'Maid in Manhattan'. You can check out scans of the interview here.

December 15, 2002 - Pat Holmes of the Portland Tribune reviewed Jennifer Lopez's new film 'Maid in Manhattan' blasting the effort that isn't suited for its star. "'Maid in Manhattan' absolutely demands to be described as a Cinderella story. The problem is that Cinderella is played by Jennifer Lopez, whose rapacious pursuit and crushing embrace of celebrity might almost give Madonna pause. In a real Cinderella story, J.Lo probably would be a wicked stepsister. No, that’s unfair; in deference to her stardom, she’d have to be the wicked stepmother." Read more.

December 15, 2002 - Geoff Pevere of the Toronto Star reviewed the new Jennifer Lopez movie 'Maid in Manhattan', giving it two stars. Pevere called the movie "forced" and explained, "If 'Maid In Manhattan' had any genuine screwball salt, it would have reversed its perspective: The movie would have told the story from Marshall's point of view, and emphasized the panic that erupts among his ballot-minded handlers when they realize their fair-haired boy has fallen for an Hispanic sheet-flattener. But that might also have reversed the politics too. Gosh knows we wouldn't want that." Read more.

December 15, 2002 -Gary Arnold of the Washington Times has more on the chaos that Jennifer Lopez's presence caused on the first day of filming 'Maid in Manhattan' in the Bronx. While director Wayne Wang says he felt J.Lo was upset the first day, "Otherwise, she was the most professional person to work with. She was always prepared. Jennifer never flubbed one line." Wang added, "I couldn't find an outtake on her that was a mistake. She was also very supportive and protective of me. From the start, I liked the fact that she was so down-to-earth — very tough and direct, but down-to-earth." Read more.

December 15, 2002 - Jae-Ha Kim of the Chicago Sun-Times spoke with Darren Hallowell, product manager at Tower Records on North Clark and Erik Bradley, music director of pop music station WBBM-FM (96.3) about the comeback efforts of Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez. As for J.Lo's 'This Is Me... Then', Cavanah says, "The thing Jennifer has going for her is that she's all over the place. She's very in sync with every aspect of her career. She's on the cover of every magazine. She's got movies. And her label is doing a great job marketing her. Plus, she has a younger appeal than Mariah or Whitney [Houston]." Read more.

December 14, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez tells Lynn Barker of TeenHollywood.com that she and fiance Ben Affleck have a very simple connection. "You know we just have a lot in common. We understand each other," she said. "I think we want similar things and he’s a wonderful person. I think that people put us in categories because of our partners before. We’re all growing and evolving people always. Everyone is searching for their place. Along the way you wind up in learning experiences that are good for you. I feel very strongly that this is the right place for me." Read more.

December 14, 2002 - WENN reports Jennifer Lopez finds it ridiculous that people thought she was having an affair with Ralph Fiennes while filming 'Maid in Manhattan', because she's far too professional to sleep with co-stars. "I've done a lot of movies and I haven't ever been involved with one of my co-stars," J.Lo insisted. "Even during 'Gigli', Ben and I just worked together. I don't have any trouble keeping it professional. Ralph is obviously a very handsome and appealing man, but I didn't touch it."

December 14, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez chatted with Katrillion.com about her 2002 which saw her get divorced from dancer Cris Judd and get engaged to actor Ben Affleck. "It's been a tough year, but a great year," Lopez explains. "For me it was just a kind of a year of growth. Like I went through something and came out the other side and was actually the person I was meant to be my whole life." Read more.

December 14, 2002 - Cynthia Fuchs of popmatters.com did a combination review of Jennifer Lopez's new film 'Maid in Manhattan' and her song/video for 'Jenny From The Block.' Fuchs writes, "Jennifer Lopez can't forget to stay real. To her, it's like breathing. Apparently, she doesn't want you to forget it either, given that she keeps singing about it. The genius of this repetition is that it makes the 'real' seem (almost) real: you hear it enough, it feels like, well, breathing. Even if what's real for her and what's real for you aren't exactly the same thing, the J.Lo version clearly has its appeal." Read more.

December 14, 2002 - The Sun reports Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have been ordered to re-shoot the ending of their movie 'Gigli' after test audiences thought the film's climax was too cheesy. "There are a lot of very unhappy people around here at the moment — but when the boss says you gotta do these things you gotta do these things," a source on the set said. "It should only be for ten days or so, and it’s not like people are being ordered to work actually on Christmas Day." Read more.

December 14, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez is on the cover of Ladies' Home Journal Magazine issue January 2003. Check out the scans (pic1 / pic2).

December 14, 2002 - Ty Burr of the Boston Globe reviewed the Jennifer Lopez starring 'Maid in Manhattan' proclaiming it is a "good movie." While admitting Ralph Fiennes love object character is the film's weakest link, Burr said, "Anyway, his character can afford to be blurry. Does anyone ever care what Prince Charming is really like? It's Lopez who's the proper focus of this dream. So intent has she been on becoming a superstar in the past few years that many people have forgotten that, given decent material, she can act." Read more.

December 14, 2002 - Bart_O_o writes "NBC News’ 'Today' once again outperformed the competition during the week of December 2 -8. This week’s win marks seven straight years of winning in homes and persons 2. The Friday, December 6 show, with the Jennifer Lopez concert, was 'Today’s' best delivery for a single day this season among total viewers and tied for its best delivery among adults 25-54."

December 14, 2002 - Bart_O_o writes "Check out the scans of Star Magazine and read interview with Ojani Noa who talks about his ex-wife, Jennifer Lopez here."

December 13, 2002 - Philip Wuntch of The Dallas Morning News reviewed the new Jennifer Lopez / Ralph Fiennes starring 'Maid in Manhattan', giving it only two stars. Wuntch says, "Ultimately, no matter how many wish-fulfillment fantasies the movie employs, a film like 'Maid in Manhattan' depends on simple chemistry. The sad truth is that as a couple J. Lo and Fiennes fail to duplicate the movie-star charisma of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere." Read more.

December 13, 2002 - Hollywood.com has a video interview with the cast of 'Maid in Manhattan', including stars Jennifer Lopez, Natasha Richardson, Stanley Tucci, and Ralph Fiennes and director Wayne Wang. Watch the clip, which includes scenes from the movie, here.

December 13, 2002 - Lisa Schwarzbaum of Entertainment Weekly reviewed Jennifer Lopez's new film 'Maid in Manhattan', giving it a 'C'. She says, in this ''graceless variation on 'Pretty Woman' and 'Working Girl,''' Lopez seems ''steely and manufactured,'' while Fiennes is ''wan and watery.'' Read more.

December 13, 2002 - Bill Hemmer of CNN spoke with Jennifer Lopez ahead of her new movie 'Maid in Manhattan' and also asked the singer about fiance Ben Affleck. Asked if she ever tries to conceal their relationship, or if she finds it impossible, Lopez says, "We're not trying to do anything except be two people in love. I mean, we're not trying to do anything; we're just being ourselves. People catch pictures and they want to publish them -- that's a whole different other animal that we can't control." Read more.

December 13, 2002 - Star magazine reports that unlike Britney Spears' failed Nyla venture, Jennifer Lopez is scoring high marks with city health inspectors. The latest inspector's report for Madre's left only two notes suggesting she "repair toilet seat in the employee restroom and post 'no smoking' signs in the bathroom.' Pasadena's restaurant cleanliness czar Mel Lim said, "She got 85%. We give her an A."

December 13, 2002 - Jack Mathews of the New York Daily News reviewed Jennifer Lopez's new film 'Maid in Manhattan' giving the film 2 stars. Mathews writes, "Lopez fans are likely to love her in this role. The Bronx Bombshell appears very comfortable playing the dressed-down maid - after all, she has the killer glam scenes coming later. She's also more comfortable using her ample behind as a tease. Where she used to try to hide it onscreen (talk about ignoring the elephant in the room), she now showcases it so deliberately, it's hard to ignore." Read more.

December 13, 2002 - The Enquirer reports Ben Affleck recently met for lunch with Matt Damon in a Los Angeles eatery and before they were seated, Matt wrinkled his nose and asked, "What's that smell?" Ben then realized Matt was talking about his new cologne, a gift from fiance Jennifer Lopez. "It smells like bug spray," snorted Damon, who insisted Ben go to the bathroom and wipe the stuff off before he barfed.

December 13, 2002 - Launch.com caught up with Jennifer Lopez to talk about her new movie 'Maid in Manhattan' and asked her if she worried whether movie crowds are too tough to watch a fairy-tale story like this. "Oh, God, it would be a sad day if that were true, I think. No, I think fairy tales are forever, no? I hope so!" The film is in movie theaters today.

December 12, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez says her new film 'Maid in Manhattan' addresses class distinction in society and the importance placed on appearances. She tells the CBS Early Show that her character was conditioned to be invisible and not to have high aspirations. "Because to dream is to take a risk … Our parents were more like, you know, 'Don't take a risk. Play it safe. Be stable. Have stability in your life,'" explained Lopez. "That's what we're always taught from when we're little. That's what I was taught." Watch her interview here.

December 12, 2002 - Globe magazine reports Jennifer Lopez got steamed at fiance Ben Affleck after catching him ogling at the cover of Christina Aguilera's new album 'Stripped' while shopping for CDs in Boston. J.Lo barked at her man, "What's so great about her?!" Ben responded, "She can't hold a candle to you baby, but I do like her style."

December 12, 2002 - Star magazine reports Jennifer Lopez is on a crash diet for her upcoming wedding to Ben Affleck. During a party for kids who helped on her 'Jenny From The Block' video, Lopez sent someone out to get her a low-fat sandwich made with white albacore tuna packed in water - no mayo - and bottled water, while everone else gobbled down Cuban cuisine - rice, beans, and fried bananas.

December 11, 2002 - Revolution Studios principal Joe Roth, whose company produced 'Maid in Manhattan' for Columbia Pictures, wanted to make one thing very clear at the premiere of the film on Sunday. "We think we have a movie, not simply a star vehicle," he said. "I think the movie stands on its own, and I really wanted to let people know that." Read more.

December 11, 2002 - MuchMusic reports that when Jennifer Lopez was asked about touring in support of her latest album, 'This Was Me...Then' at the premiere of her new movie 'Maid in Manhattan', she responded: "Everybody has been asking me are you going on tour. It is such a long commitment that I would be away from movies for so long. It is hard to juggle it. I don't want to cheat one for the other because they are both so important to me."

December 11, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez has stepped into the spotlight to promote her latest movie, 'Maid in Manhattan' at the film's premiere in New York. Check out video clips from Reuters and Extra TV, who brought along real-life maid Nettie to the premiere here.

December 11, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez isn't as oblivious since playing a maid in 'Maid in Manhattan.' She revealed, "When I was staying in Philadelphia, I (spoke) to the maids and the other people who work in the hotel — the concierges and other service people I'd usually zoom by. It gives you an understanding to stop for a second." Read more.

December 11, 2002 - Ed Gonzalez of slant magazine reviewed Jennifer Lopez's new film and comments, "'Maid in Manhattan' is considerably less offensive than one might expect if only because the film's debasement rituals are employed with equal opportunity. If the white people seen here are thoroughly disgusting (they're Republicans, thieves, loudmouths, racists, etc.) then the Latin folk take their oppression in stride." Gonzalez gave the film 1 1/2 stars out of 4. Read more.

December 11, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez was accompanied by fiance Ben Affleck at the world premiere of her new film 'Maid in Manhattan.' Check out a video clip from KTLA.

December 11, 2002 - David Letterman, who interviewed Jennifer Lopez last night on the Late Show, joked during his monologue, "I was just backstage talking to J.Lo. She’s on the show tonight and guess what - now I’m engaged!"

December 11, 2002 - Bart_O_o writes "DiPOP Recording Artist Vincent James is best known for his love ballads. Inspired by the recent engagement of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, James has written a custom love song in honor of their upcoming marriage. Read more."

December 10, 2002 - Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez attended the New York film premiere of 'Maid In Manhattan' at the Zeigfeld Theater on Sunday (December 8) in New York City. Check out pictures of the event from Big Pictures, Globe Photos, Rex Features, Getty Images, LFI, and WireImagecom (outside arrivals / inside arrivals / after party).

December 10, 2002 - Entertainment Tonight has been having a jobs program to get an inside track to Jennifer Lopez. Not only have they had Lynda Lopez interview J.Lo, but now Lynda's boyfriend Chris Booker has been added to the ET payroll. Check out what Jennifer and fiance Ben Affleck had to say to Chris in a couple video clips here.

December 10, 2002 - Jeannie Williams of USA Today sat down with 'Maid in Manhattan' stars Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes. Asked how her fiance Ben Affleck reacted to being named People magazine's 'Sexiest Man Alive', J.Lo responded, "He finds it flattering but at the same time kind of humorous. He takes it with a grain of salt." Read more.

December 10, 2002 - The New York Post reports Jennifer Lopez has forgiven her longtime pal and hairdresser Oribe for throwing a hissyfit last week at the junket for 'Maid in Manhattan.' He was on hand for the premiere's after party at the Rainbow Room and explained, "We are back together. It was nothing. A misunderstanding."

December 10, 2002 - Bruce Kirkland of the Toronto Sun caught up with 'Maid In Manhattan' director Wayne Wang who recalled the frenzy by paparazzi and school aged fans on the set when filming began. "It was A Hard Day's Night in real life," Wang says. "That hit me all at once and I was not prepared for it." As for J.Lo, "I think she was upset that the paparazzi weren't giving her a chance to work and she was kind of upset at how crazy crazy the crowd got in the afternoon. That's my read on it." Read more.

December 10, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez stopped by the Hot 97 studios in New York to speak with Funk Flex about her new album 'This Is Me... Then'. J.Lo says fiance Ben Affleck liked doing the 'Jenny From The Block' video. They talked about her clothing line, the restaurant, and business interests. As for Ojani Noa's Star magazine story -- "He's crazy." She added, "I think people get to a point in their lives that things aren't going right for them so, how can I make a little cash?" But Lopez says "I really have nothing bad to say about him," but "he has to live with himself." Read more.

December 10, 2002 - The Daily Star reports Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have been spotted shopping for baby clothes and a cot - just weeks after announcing their engagement. The pair were seen together loading up a trolley with baby blankets and have splashed out on a custom-made crib. "They both want kids, and soon," blabbed a source close to the couple. "Starting a family is their number one priority." Read more.

December 10, 2002 - Lloyd Grove of the Washington Post has more details on the Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck troubles with PETA recently. While Ben wrote to PETA assuring them "you have opened my eyes to a particularly cruel and barbaric treatment of animals. I can assure you I do not endorse such treatment and will not do anything in the future that supports it", nothing stating likewise came from J.Lo. "We've tried to reach out to her, but she has always seemed indifferent to the animal suffering behind fur," PETA Vice President Dan Mathews said. "Every couple has issues through which they each evolve, and we're hoping Ben will help Jennifer evolve on animal rights." Read more.

December 10, 2002 - Roger Friedman of FoxNews.com was on hand for Whitney Houston's outdoor performance Sunday afternoon in the plaza at Lincoln Center to be broadcast on 'Good Morning America' on Tuesday. He also attended the premiere of Jennifer Lopez's new film 'Maid in Manhattan' last night at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York. Check out his thoughts on both -- he was unable to talk with either Houston or J.Lo -- here.

December 10, 2002 - The Las Vegas Sun reports that in addition to opening another Madre's in Las Vegas, Jennifer Lopez plans on opening a dance club which would be called J-Lo. Dick Clark's business partner Ed Fishman and veteran entertainment producer Joey Battig had lunch on successive days last week with MGM and Park Place execs about the planned establishment. The group is also negotiating with Shiela E., Ricky Martin, and Alyssa Milano about one of them hosting a weekly late-night risque cable show to be broadcast from the venue.

December 10, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez was on the Late Show with David Letterman on Monday to promote her new movie 'Maid in Manhattan' and promote her fragarances and lotions, which Dave managed to drink -- perhaps he swapped the tube with something edible, as even Lopez tasted it. She also talked about fiance Ben Affleck and having another go at marriage. Read on for a transcript.

December 10, 2002 - Access Hollywood caught up with Jennifer Lopez on the red carpet of her new movie 'Maid in Manhattan' and asked if she thought all this fever about her engagement to Ben Affleck would help sell a few movie tickets. Jennifer responded, "I hope that the movie will kind of sell the tickets. It's a great romantic comedy and we're hoping for the best. But I know it's a crazy season out there with 'Lord of the Rings' and all the other movies coming out, but we have a nice movie here." Read more.

December 10, 2002 - Extra TV caught up with Jennifer Lopez at the premiere of her new movie 'Maid in Manhattan' after her fiance Ben Affleck headed into the theater. They even got J.Lo to bark like a seal. Watch the clip here.

December 9, 2002 - Anonymous writes "Wearing a short, creamy Chanel dress “and some top I picked up at The Gap”, Jennifer Lopez prefers to laugh off all those recent engagement stories. Announcing her marriage plans on national television, there is a hint of regret that she chose that platform to tell the world that she is engaged to one Ben Affleck. With her cover on a recent issue of the tabloid rag US Weekly staring at her, Lopez laughs at the ‘Proposals’ headline that has now dogged her since her true confessions went to air across America and around the world. “Just like any other person in the world, when you’re happy you’re gonna talk about things, like a girl. I’m a girl, forgive me, so I want to share things, you want to tell everybody, you just want to shout up at the rooftops, then after I did it I was like: What was I thinking?” " Read more.

December 9, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez appears on the Late Show with David Letterman on Monday,

December 9, 2002 - MTV News reports that Jennifer Lopez has a new respect for maids after filming 'Maid in Manhattan' and says the training rubbed off on her. "I'm a very neat person, OK? I don't need maids in Manhattan to teach me how to clean my house." she says. Read more.

December 9, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez is on the cover of this week's Parade magazine. "When people ask me who I am," Lopez explains, "I just say, 'I'm a simple girl from the Bronx who worked really hard.' I always wanted everybody to be pleased with me. I went out of my way to be sweet and loving. At home and in Catholic school, it was drummed into my head, 'Be good. Do the right thing. Word hard. Don't hurt anybody. God will look out for you. Be a good girl.' And I still am." Read more.

December 9, 2002 - A friend of both Jennifer Lopez and her first husband Ojani Noa says J.Lo ain't happy about Noa selling his story to Star magazine after getting canned from her restaurant Madre's. "She's so nice to him," the pal told Us Weekly. "It's terrible. He's an embarrassment." As for J.Lo dumping her hairstylist Oribe, another pal explained "he said some offensive things to [a Columbia Pictures employee] in a hissy fit he threw because he didn't have a car to take him to the 'Maid in Manhattan' press junket." The source added, "Jennifer just doesn't tolerate that divalike behavior."

December 9, 2002 - A rep for 3LW tells Us Weekly that Jennifer Lopez has accepted the apology of Adrienne Bailon after she was on Soul Train sporting a 'J. Ho' tank top. Lopez is sending them official clothes to wear for free to replace the offending shirt. "We gave them sizes," the rep says, "and we're waiting for the gear."

December 8, 2002 - Phoebe Reilly of the New York Post wonders with the recent releases from Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey, and the upcoming Whitney Houston release on Tuesday, which of the three is the biggest diva of all. Alan Light, former editor in chief of Spin magazine remarked, "I suppose you could make a case for all three as legitimate divas. But I think the combination of God-given vocal gift and erratic behavior make Mariah and Whitney much truer [divas] than Jenny. 'Diva' should mean a larger-than-life, dramatic, in some way outrageous, and indisputably talented, star." He added, "'Diva' is the most overused, devalued term in entertainment. J.Lo seems a little too professional, a little too together, and a little too vocally limited to really qualify, no matter how big a star she is." Read more.

December 8, 2002 - Jennifer Lopez will be on MTV's Total Request Live on Tuesday (December 10).

December 7, 2002 - The Today Show's Al Roker talks with Jennifer Lopez ticket giveaway contest winner Trevor Harris on Friday morning from the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club in Bronx, New York. Check it out here.

December 7, 2002 - Extra TV played highlights of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck on the Today Show on Friday morning where J.Lo performed live at the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club. They also spoke with Harold Maldonado, who runs the club who remembers young Lopez as the talented dancer always willing to lend a hand. He says, "There was just something about Jennifer. On stage, there was that presence." Watch the clip here.

December 7, 2002 - John Oliver of Katrillion.com got a chance to interview Jennifer Lopez but got a rude resonse when she asked about fiance Ben Affleck. The diss resulted in a rather negatively themed article about the 'Maid in Manhattan' star, whom Oliver says is oblivious to negative sentiments from her former neighbors, and stresses the positive experience she gets from meeting young fans from the Bronx. "They go crazy," she said. "They are very affectionate with me. They'll come and hug me and hang on to me and all want to be in a big circle. It's important to me because I didn't have that as much when I was growing up; somebody that I could go, 'She's right where I'm from and lived right there and she did this and I kind of have those dreams too.'" Read more on the diva they've dubbed 'J.No' here.

December 7, 2002 - The Las Vegas Review Journal reports Jennifer Lopez has had enough of fiance Ben Affleck's legendary tipping habits. A spy says J.Lo and Ben were at a baccarat table at The Mirage where Affleck was on a roll. When he tossed a $5,000 white chip to the dealers, J.Lo told him "no," retrieved the chip, and put it in her pocket book. Then she reached over and took three of Affleck's $100 black chips and pushed them across the table. Read more.

December 7, 2002 - The National Enquirer reports Jennifer Lopez left her pink diamond engagement ring behind at a hotel room she was staying in. When J.Lo realized what she'd done, she had her driver speed back to the hotel so she could retrieve it. The manager calmed her down and told her the housekeeper had found it and it was in their safe.

December 7, 2002 - LFI has photos of Jennifer Lopez and LL Cool J performing for the Today Show on Friday (December 6). The show was also a home coming party for Jennifer who grew up in the Bronx and attended the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club. Check out the pictures here.

December 6, 2002 - The MTV 'Movie House' audience that got an early look at the new Jennifer Lopez movie 'Maid in Manhattan' lets you know the score. Check out the comments here.

December 6, 2002 - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal are worried that Jennifer Lopez is corrupting Ben Affleck, known for being a hero to animal lovers for acts of kindness after reports he recently bought a chinchilla coat for J.Lo. "We love Ben Affleck," a PETA insider said. "Here is a man who once stopped to help an animal that was hit by a car and paid the vet’s bill. His brother, Casey, is a vegan. But then he hooks up with this diva who wears mink eyelashes! Next thing you know, we’re hearing that he’s buying fur coats! We’re praying that we haven’t lost one to the dark side." Read more.

December 5, 2002 - The New York Daily News reports Jennifer Lopez's latest album "This Is Me... Then' sold more copies in it's opening week, 314,132 copies, than any of her previous efforts, beating out 'J.Lo' which sold 272,252 units two years ago. No doubt the singer was boosted by debuting during the busiest shopping days of the year. Still, the figure was only good enough to land at #6. Jim Farber says, "Lopez's new numbers fall within the traditional range racked up by top pop divas like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. All tend to open in the 200,000 to 300,000 range, rather than hitting the high six-figure numbers enjoyed by some top male stars. The women typically make up for the lack of a huge opening by selling steadily in large numbers over a long period." Read more.

December 4, 2002 - On Tuesday morning's Howard Stern radio show, Lynda Lopez says the fans following them around in Las Vegas actually frightened her sister Jennifer Lopez and fiance Ben Affleck. "There are literally hundreds of people trying to get at them," she said. "They have to close the front doors of this one store and the people were trying to break the glass. It was scary for a minute." Read more.

December 4, 2002 - Toni Braxton says in the upcoming issue of Blender magazine, "Somebody recently compared me to J.Lo. I have a lot of time for her as an actress, but, please, give me some credit. I know just how good a singer I am. I’ve been around long enough to have my own identity."

December 4, 2002 - The New York Daily News has more details on Ben Affleck's spending spree on fiance Jennifer Lopez and her mother Guadalupe in Las Vegas over the Thanksgiving holiday. They say when Guadalupe got behind the wheel of a Capri Blue Mercedes E-Class sedan, she almost wrecked the car. "She was admiring the car so much that she ran a stop sign and almost got into an accident," a source said. Guadalupe is said to have had another close call on the way back when a driver coming the wrong way up a one-way street almost hit her. Near accidents aside, she liked the car, and Ben paid for it in cash. Read more.

December 3, 2002 - Jay Leno joked during his Tonight Show monologue on Monday, "Here's some happy news. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced he is engaged. Mayor Giuliani is engaged. Isn't that something? Hey, I had no idea he even knew Jennifer Lopez. Did you know that? Oh, that's the big rumor. The big rumor is Jennifer Lopez is planning a Christmas wedding. Followed by a 4th of July wedding. A Labor Day wedding as well."

December 3, 2002 - Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl spoke with Jo Whiley on Radio 1 the other night and was asked who he'd rather shag, push off a cliff, or marry - given the choices of Kylie Minogue, Jennifer Lopez, and Madonna. Dave said "J.Lo is going off the cliff for sure." He added he'd probably have to marry Kylie and shag Madonna. Listen to the entire interview and solo performances here.

December 3, 2002 - The Las Vegas Review Journal reports Ben Affleck spent about $500,000 during a shopping binge that included a $150,000 luxury car for his future mother-in-law in a bid to make a good impression before Jennifer Lopez's family. He and J.Lo led family and friends into the Gucci, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana stores at the Forum Shops at Caesars, where Ben picked up most of the tab. Ben also pulled out big cash at Fletcher Jones Imports on Friday, picking up two new Mercedes-Benz models. Read more.

December 3, 2002 - 93.3 FLZ has photos of what appears to be Jennifer Lopez picking her nose and then later licking the snot from her fingers. Check it out here.

December 3, 2002 - The New York Daily News has more details on Ben Affleck's spending spree on fiance Jennifer Lopez and her mother Guadalupe in Las Vegas over the Thanksgiving holiday. They say when Guadalupe got behind the wheel of a Capri Blue Mercedes E-Class sedan, she almost wrecked the car. "She was admiring the car so much that she ran a stop sign and almost got into an accident," a source said. Guadalupe is said to have had another close call on the way back when a driver coming the wrong way up a one-way street almost hit her. Near accidents aside, she liked the car, and Ben paid for it in cash. Read more.

December 2, 2002 - Director Kevin Smith is giving the newly engaged Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck a custom-made video game to thank them for costarring in his recently wrapped movie 'Jersey Girl,' according to the New York Post. The game is modeled on a classic '80s video arcade game, which Brad Graeber, whose Texas-based Powerhouse Animation Studios created the game for Smith, compares to the popular Street Fighter. Read more.

December 2, 2002 - The Las Vegas Review Journal reports Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were spotted at Club Rio Thursday night, dancing up a storm and looking very much in love at Latin Libido Night. Then on Friday, the engaged couple ttending the 10:30 p.m. performance of 'Mystere' (Bellagio) with a party of eight that included J.Lo's mother and grandmother.

December 2, 2002 - New York Magazine reports Jennifer Lopez has fired her longtime hairdresser Oribe. His tenure was doomed after J.Lo heat for the bouffant hairdo Oribe gave her for the Oscars this year. The final straw was during a 'Maid in Manhattan' junket at the Waldorf-Astoria last week, when he threw a tantrum after studio execs refused to send a limo to drive him to the hotel. He was heated about the no-limo treatment and began circling one exec in particular, "waving his hands in her face, making hissing noises and screaming she had 'bad karma.'"

December 1, 2002 - Ojani Noa - whose marriage to Jennifer Lopez in 1997 lasted just 15 months, is lashing out at the singer in the new issue of Star magazine, prompted by his firing from her Pasadena restaurant, Madre's. He calls Lopez a "cold, heartless modern-day Elizabeth Taylor" who is "in love with herself." As for his feelings about Ben Affleck marrying her, Noa warns, "Wedding vows mean nothing to her... If she climbed into bed with you so easily, don't you think she'll do the same with someone else? She moves on when she gets tired of sleeping with the same man. She will end up in her old age all alone with seven or eight wrecked marriages in her wake." Read more.

December 1, 2002 - The Sunday Mail reports Jennifer Lopez and fiance Ben Affleck will face a $5 million cheating fine if either strays after their marriage. Their pre-nup includes the fidelity clause as J.Lo has demanded to make sure her third marriage doesn't go the way of the first two. Also, Lopez stipulates sex at least four times a week and as many children as she wants. If either star lies to the other, they are subject to a $1 million fine. Read more.

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