In 2016, pop icons Jennifer Lopez (JLo) and Drake sparked a media frenzy when they were romantically linked. The whirlwind romance, filled with glamorous Instagram posts and public outings, quickly became a topic of gossip. But what appeared to be a love story was soon overshadowed by a darker narrative, one of cultural appropriation, career manipulation, and controversial relationships. Now, years later, the messy details of their affair continue to haunt them, as both stars face ongoing backlash.

The relationship between Drake and JLo began to gain serious attention in late 2016. The two were spotted together at JLo’s Vegas residency, with Drake often seen supporting her from the front row. They shared a few cozy photos on Instagram, and fans quickly speculated that they were the new power couple. However, the drama didn’t end there.

Rumors of a love triangle surfaced when it was revealed that Drake had previously been publicly pursuing Rihanna, even making an awkward declaration of love for her at the 2016 MTV VMAs. By then, Rihanna was allegedly aware of Drake’s secret relationships, including with JLo, which caused tension between the stars. Rihanna’s fans were not pleased, and they took to social media to express their disapproval.

The affair between JLo and Drake seems to fit into a larger pattern of controversy that both artists have faced over the years: accusations of cultural appropriation. Both stars have been slammed for borrowing from various cultures to build their careers without genuinely supporting the communities they borrow from. JLo, in particular, has faced criticism for treating her Latina identity as a “costume,” often flaunting her Puerto Rican heritage when it suits her, but not using her platform to uplift other Latina artists or engage with important cultural issues.

Similarly, Drake has been accused of exploiting Black culture for his own gain, while staying silent on critical social issues affecting the Black community. The shared criticisms have fueled the “culture vulture” narrative, with fans suggesting that both JLo and Drake have been opportunistic in their use of other cultures for career advancement.

One of the most significant points of contention in JLo’s career has been her alleged appropriation of songs and vocals from other artists. The pop star has faced accusations of stealing music from Black and Latina artists, including Ashanti, Shante Moore, and Christina Milian. The song “I’m Real,” for instance, was originally created for Mariah Carey, but JLo ended up releasing it, with Mariah claiming that her ex-husband, Tommy Mottola, used his influence to steal the song and give it to JLo.

Another major example is JLo’s hit “If You Had My Love,” which was allegedly written for Shante Moore by Rodney Jerkins, only for Diddy to swoop in and claim the track for JLo. Similarly, JLo’s songs like “Jenny From the Block” and “Play” have been linked to vocals and demos originally recorded by other artists, raising questions about her role in the creative process.

JLo’s strained relationship with Mariah Carey is well-documented, and the two have had a long-standing rivalry, which reportedly dates back to the ’90s. JLo’s decision to cozy up to Tommy Mottola, Mariah’s ex-husband, after their split caused a rift, with Mariah alleging that Tommy used JLo to sabotage her career. The tension between the two was reignited when Mariah accused JLo of taking credit for songs that were initially hers, including “I’m Real.”

Their rivalry reached its peak during the release of JLo’s “Glitter” soundtrack, when Tommy allegedly snatched a song from Mariah and handed it over to JLo, causing further animosity. Even in 2020, Mariah’s memoir revealed more details about how JLo was allegedly complicit in Tommy’s efforts to undermine her career.

JLo’s Controversial Latina Identity and Public BacklashWhile JLo has often highlighted her Bronx roots and Puerto Rican heritage, many have criticized her for “selective” identity—embracing her Latina background when it’s convenient for her career but remaining silent on issues facing the Latino community. This criticism came to a head in 2024 when JLo faced backlash from the Latino community for not using her fame to support Latino actors and artists. In fact, some fans have accused her of treating her heritage as a commodity rather than an identity to be honored and respected.

The controversy intensified when JLo released a clip from her film This Is Me Now, in which she nostalgically reminisces about her teenage years in the Bronx. Many Bronx residents took to social media to mock her portrayal, accusing her of losing touch with her roots and going full Hollywood. TikTok exploded with meme