Amid professional success and personal milestones, Lopez has hinted at possibly stepping back from the spotlight. After encountering challenges in recent years, from her latest album’s underwhelming performance on music charts to unexpected tour setbacks and publicity efforts that fell short, she appears to be rethinking next steps.

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Recently, she sparked retirement speculation, telling Entertainment Tonight last month, “The truth is I don’t even know if I’ll ever make another album after this,” suggesting her current one might be her last.

Jennifer Lopez’s latest album fell short

In a twist that surprised many, J.Lo’s latest album, This Is Me … Now, landed at just No 38 on the Billboard 200 current album rankings. Despite the buzz around this being Lopez’s first studio album in a decade, its opening sales in the US in its first week were modest, with just over 21,000 units sold, per Billboard. Soon afterwards it reached that chart’s top position, but sales still fell far below estimated demand.

According to Forbes, this album is the lowest-charting release of her career and marks a rare moment in her dazzling journey, diverging from her formidable usual chart-topping sales. In comparison, her J to Tha L-O! The Remixes clocked up 156,000 sales in its first week when released in 2002.

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She unexpectedly called off tour dates

Fans were left confused as the final seven dates of J.Lo’s upcoming This Is Me … Now tour, including stops in Nashville, Raleigh, Atlanta, Tampa, New Orleans, Cleveland and Houston, were abruptly cancelled, with the tour now set to end in New York City on August 17.

Ticketmaster attributed several cancellations to logistical issues, hinting at potential rescheduling. This came after Lopez’s latest album’s lukewarm debut, sparking speculation about its influence on the tour’s premature end.

A clip about her go-to bodega order is being mocked

The internet has been buzzing over J.Lo’s bodega order from a clip in This Is Me … Now, a documentary accompanying her album release. The video shows Lopez ordering a ham and cheese on a roll, a small bag of chips, and an enigmatic “orange drink” at a store in New York City – a combo that sparked a lively debate about her authenticity as a New Yorker, with some questioning whether her order truly reflects an original New Yorker’s choices. Others rallied in her defence, emphasising her Bronx heritage and the personal nature of such preferences.

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Backlash for performing in Dubai despite its anti-gay laws

In February, J.Lo performed at the grand opening of the One&Only One Za’abeel hotel in Dubai. Despite the United Arab Emirates’ strict stance against LGBTQ+ rights, Lopez – known for her persistent support of the LGBTQ+ community and openly talking about supporting her gender-neutral kid, Emme Muñiz – reportedly accepted a US$5 million fee for her appearance, according to British media, despite initially stating she wouldn’t perform.

Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell expressed his disappointment to The Sun, noting, “It’s very sad that a long-time LGBTQ ally like Jennifer Lopez is ­prepared to put money before human rights.”

Controversy around her alcohol brand

J.Lo’s post, though seemingly benign, sparked mixed reactions. Many, aware of Affleck’s sobriety, questioned Lopez’s decision to promote her alcohol brand. A social media user highlighted the discomfort, saying, “So awkward when she talks about drinking responsibly … knowing her husband suffered from alcoholism for years.