Jennifer Lopez: I've had enough with people criticizing me for dating younger men, it's no big deal

Jennifer Lopez is not shy about the fact she likes dating younger guys and apparently sees no problem with it.


The American Idol judge, who will be starring in the movie The Boy Next Door -- a psychological thriller featuring Lopez acting as a separated woman who falls in love with her high school-aged neighbor -- told Self magazine in its January issue she's had "enough" with criticism of her dating life, People reported.

"All the old cliches about women need to be undone. Enough already," Lopez reportedly said in her interview, which showed off pictures of her extremely toned, athletic body wearing all white.

"We're in the other position now. We are desirable older, we can date younger guys and it's not this big taboo. Men have been doing this for years, and it's no big deal."

Lopez, 45, told Self she relates to the character she plays in The Boy Next Door.


"I've been through divorce. I've been cheated on, just like every other girl in the world," Lopez reportedly told the magazine.

"So you sympathize, you understand the emotions. And I've dated a younger guy once in my life. I could definitely understand that part, too -- the attraction."

Lopez was referring to Casper Smart, her choreographer and backup dancer who is nearly 20 years her junior. She dated him for well over two years but reportedly amicably split in June.

Lopez admitted she's a "love addict," according to People, and finds "comfort" in having a significant other despite how hard relationships can be at times.

Lopez began dating Smart after a series of failed high-profile relationships and marriages. She had divorced Marc Anthony, Cris Judd and Ojani Noa. The singer, who said she considers herself a dancer first and foremost, had also been engaged to Ben Affleck and dated P. Diddy.


Lopez has twins Max and Emme, who were born in 2008, with Anthony.

"When you have that much pain, you have to anesthetize yourself in some ways," Lopez told Self of her turbulent dating history. "People do different things. Some go out and party and sleep around, but that's just not my way. I found the comfort in someone else."

The Boy Next Door hits theaters January 23. American Idol's upcoming fourteenth season is set to premiere Wednesday, January 7 at 8PM ET/PT on Fox.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski