Jennifer Lopez faced a wave of social media criticism after paparazzi photos captured her showing her midriff while shopping with Ben Affleck’s 13-year-old son, Samuel, over the weekend in Beverly Hills.
In images released by a fan Instagram account, Lopez, 56, wore a long-sleeved white cropped top that revealed her sculpted stomach, low-waisted black trousers, a Dior tote and nude-colored heels as she and Samuel walked through an indoor shopping area and later exited a store with the teen carrying a large Balenciaga bag. The photos were posted with comments from social media users who described the outfit as inappropriate when in the company of a young teen.
Comments under the Instagram post included, "How inappropriate to wear that top! Does she not get it?" and "Why does she dress like that with her kids?" One user wrote, "Showing her body to a preteen is inappropriate," while another said, "He looks so uncomfortable." Other critics called the look "embarrassing" or urged Lopez to wear more clothes when with young children.
Not all responses were critical. Several social media users defended Lopez, praising her physique and arguing the outfit reflected regional fashion. One commenter wrote, "She lives in California — that's the look there and she's got the body so flaunt it," while another posted, "Dear Lord, this woman looks amazing!" Supporters also noted Lopez’s role as a parent and stepmother and framed the outing as time spent with family.
Lopez and Affleck were married in 2022; their divorce was finalized in January. Upon their wedding, Lopez became a stepmother to Affleck’s three children — Violet, 19; Fin, 16; and Samuel, 13 — whom he shares with ex-wife Jennifer Garner. Lopez is also the mother of 17-year-old twins Emme and Max. The photos and ensuing commentary underscore ongoing public interest in Lopez’s role in the blended family following her separation from Affleck.
Affleck has previously spoken positively about Lopez’s relationship with his children. In an April interview with Entertainment Tonight, he called Lopez "spectacular, great to my kids, great ongoing relationship with them," and said, "I love her kids. They are wonderful. She is enormously important, tremendous person of a lot of integrity whom I adore and am grateful to."
The images of the shopping trip were captured by paparazzi and circulated on social platforms, where reactions ranged from concern about appropriateness to admiration for Lopez’s appearance. Neither Lopez nor representatives for her or Affleck commented publicly about the outfit or the social media response.
The incident highlights the scrutiny public figures face over clothing choices when appearing with minors, and the divergent views often expressed online about fashion, parenting and public behavior. Photographs of celebrities in everyday settings frequently spark debate about taste and boundaries, particularly when children are present, and the Lopez outing is the latest example of that dynamic.