Netflix made a bold statement with their latest billboard on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, promoting Jennifer Lopez’s upcoming film, Atlas.
As the 54-year-old superstar navigates the promotion of her sci-fi thriller amid rumors of marital issues with husband Ben Affleck, the streaming giant released a stern message: “DON’T F WITH JLO.”
https://twitter.com/JLO_House/status/1793712114852618598/photo/1
The eye-catching billboard is likely to generate buzz among passersby, advising everyone to stop targeting the “Let’s Get Loud” singer, who has been the subject of relentless speculation about her marriage.
Since 2021, Netflix has gained a reputation for pushing the envelope with their cheeky and frequently updated billboards on Sunset Boulevard. Past examples include referencing the Will Smith–Chris Rock incident while promoting Rock’s comedy special and commenting on the internet’s fascination with serial killer Joe Goldberg from You.
Photos of the latest billboard were first shared by TMZ. Over the years, Lopez has received several shout-outs on this billboard, including one that read, “When I grow up, I want to be Jennifer Lopez,” ahead of her 2022 documentary Halftime. Last year, to promote her film The Mother, the billboard declared: “JLO IS MOTHER.”
Netflix’s new billboard comes a day after Lopez was directly questioned about the rumors surrounding her marriage. During a press conference for Atlas in Mexico City, a reporter asked her to confirm if the “Ben Affleck rumors” were true.
In a now-viral video, Lopez, still wearing her wedding ring, appeared tense but tried to laugh off the question, playfully scolding the reporter, saying: “You know better than that.”
Although Lopez didn’t deny the rumors about her fourth marriage being on the rocks, the audience applauded her response. Her co-star Simu Liu also warned other reporters to avoid such questions. Liu later praised Lopez, saying, “Jen is a producer on this movie and the reason why I’m here… Jen cares about things like representation and diversity — and she’s a boss!”
The interaction, shared on Instagram by ElGordoyLaFlaca, sparked various fan reactions, with some noting that Lopez appeared visibly upset. “She looks so hurt when asked that question. They should just leave her alone,” one user commented, while another urged the media to stop intruding into her personal life.
Lopez, who has been divorced three times, married Affleck in 2022 after rekindling their romance following her split from Alex Rodriguez. The couple had previously dated from 2002 to 2004, which included an engagement, but they called off the wedding and went their separate ways.
Despite the Q&A debacle, Lopez seemed unfazed by the rumors as she posed for photographers in a dazzling sheer jumpsuit. She has recently shared that she is the “thinnest” she’s ever been.
Atlas centers on a brilliant data analyst (Lopez) with a deep distrust of artificial intelligence. She joins a mission to capture a renegade robot with whom she shares a mysterious past. When plans go awry, her only hope of saving humanity from AI is to trust it, according to a press release. Lopez is producing Atlas through her company Nuyorican Productions and their deal with Netflix.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that Affleck is considering divorce, branding their union a “fever dream.” Amid swirling rumors, Page Six claimed Affleck is ready to end their two-year marriage, attributing his decision to “temporary insanity.” A source said the Oscar-winner has “come to his senses” and is now thinking clearly.
Affleck has been living in a $100K-per-month rental mansion in Brentwood, near his ex-wife Jennifer Garner, rather than the marital home he shares with Lopez. Aerial photos showed the 10,000-square-foot mansion where he has been staying.
Fans suspected something was amiss when Affleck and Lopez went nearly two months without being photographed together, though their time apart was reportedly due to Lopez’s busy schedule and Affleck’s work on The Accountant sequel. They reunited last week for a school performance featuring Affleck’s child, Fin.
Both have been seen without their wedding rings recently, but they wore them when together. Sources told PEOPLE that the couple’s differing approaches to media attention cause tension. “Ben hates all attention and it makes him very uncomfortable. Jennifer has always had a different approach,” one source said, adding that their different styles clash.
Another source in the music industry noted, “She needs that expression but Affleck simply is not comfortable with it. He is more introspective and private. She likes to open her heart to her fans and to the world.” Despite these differences, the source added, “This is a great love story.”
