Ojani Noa was married to Jennifer Lopez for less than a year: from 1997 to 1998 after a whirlwind romance.
Noa claims the 2022 marriage to Ben Affleck was engineered for media attention: , saying, "That marriage was a publicity stunt. She needed people to talk about her again."
This is not Noa's first public comment on Lopez's relationships.: He previously told the *Daily Mail* in 2022 that he wasn't convinced her marriage to Affleck would last.
Lopez and Affleck separated in April 2024: , with their divorce finalized in early 2025.
Noa also responded to Lopez's Howard Stern interview: , where she claimed she had never been "truly loved" — posting on Instagram accusing her of "playing the victim."
> Why this matters: This ongoing commentary from a former spouse of over two decades ago continues to fuel public discourse around celebrity marriages, privacy, and the blurred lines between personal relationships and public personas. It raises questions about the lasting impact of fame on personal lives.
Jennifer Lopez, 57, and Ben Affleck, 53, famously rekindled their early-2000s romance in 2021, two decades after calling off their first engagement. They married in a Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022, captivating fans worldwide. However, the marriage lasted less than three years, with Lopez filing for divorce in April 2024, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in early 2025.
Ojani Noa, 52, entered Lopez's life before the fame skyrocketed. He met her while working as a waiter at a Miami restaurant, and the two married in 1997. The marriage ended just a year later, reportedly after Noa accused Lopez of cheating with her ex, Sean "Diddy" Combs — who was later convicted on charges related to transportation to engage in prostitution.
Since their split, Noa has periodically commented on Lopez's relationships. In 2022, he told the *Daily Mail* that Lopez "loves being in love" and predicted she would marry "seven or eight times." He claimed she told him on their wedding night they'd be "together forever."
The latest interview marks an escalation. Noa also criticized Lopez's "working-class" public image, insisting she grew up comfortably middle-class — with a mother who was a teacher — and called her a "fake."
In 2025, Lopez told the *Howard Stern Show* that she didn't believe she had ever been "truly loved" by past partners. Noa responded on Instagram, accusing her of "playing the victim," writing: "Stop putting us down. Stop putting me down with your victim card. The problem is not us. Not me. The problem is you." He insisted he had never cheated during their marriage.
This story highlights a broader trend in celebrity culture: ex-partners leveraging media platforms to share their side of a narrative years after a relationship ends. The phenomenon peaks on entertainment news cycles whenever a high-profile celebrity goes through a major life event — marriage, divorce, or public interview.
*Data compiled by Yanuki using the latest trends and data.*
Who is Ojani Noa?
Ojani Noa is a Cuban-born personal trainer and Jennifer Lopez's first husband. They were married from 1997 to 1998.
What did Ojani Noa say about Lopez's marriage to Ben Affleck?
He claimed the marriage was a "publicity stunt" designed to revive her star power.
When did Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck get divorced?
They separated in April 2024, and their divorce was finalized in early 2025.
How many times has Jennifer Lopez been married?
Lopez has been married four times: to Ojani Noa (1997–1998), Cris Judd (2001–2003), Marc Anthony (2004–2014), and Ben Affleck (2022–2025).
Did Lopez respond to Noa's claims?
Lopez has largely avoided commenting publicly on Noa's remarks, maintaining her focus on her career and personal growth.
Celebrity marriages are often under intense scrutiny: — public figures navigate personal relationships that are dissected by former partners and media alike.
Past relationships can resurface in public discourse: unexpectedly, especially when tied to major life events like divorce or interviews.
For fans:: It's worth considering the timing and motivations behind public statements from ex-partners — not all claims reflect the full picture.
For those navigating breakups:: Setting boundaries and avoiding public commentary can protect personal dignity and prevent prolonged media cycles.
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