Jennifer Lopez Responds to Backlash Over Her ‘Lesbian Kiss’ Moment at the AMAs

Jennifer Lopez has long been a headline magnet—whether for her groundbreaking music, captivating acting, or her personal life’s ups and downs. And now, once again, the superstar is making waves—this time for her unforgettable performance at the 2025 American Music Awards.
Read on to discover what everyone’s talking about.
Opening the AMAs at the stunning Fontainebleau in Las Vegas on May 26, Jennifer Lopez did not just host the star-studded event—she kicked it off with an electrifying medley of last year’s biggest hits. The 55-year-old icon dazzled in a shimmering jumpsuit as she danced through a dynamic six-minute setlist that kept viewers on their feet.
But it wasn’t just her vocals and choreography that captured attention. Mid-performance, Lopez surprised audiences by sharing a kiss with two dancers—a male and a female—sparking mixed reactions online. While many celebrated the bold moment, some viewers were quick to criticize, with one comment reading, “Maybe a woman might be what she needs because no man stays with her.”
This marked Lopez’s second time hosting the AMAs, a full decade after she first took on the role in 2015. Earlier this year, she finalized her divorce from Ben Affleck following their brief marriage, a chapter of her life that’s often been in the spotlight.
Her performance was a powerhouse tribute to the biggest tracks of 2024, beginning with her own hit “Dance Again” and flowing seamlessly into songs by Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, Beyoncé, Benson Boone, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims, and more—showcasing a vibrant, diverse mix of today’s music scene.
Whether praised or critiqued, Jennifer Lopez’s AMAs moment is undeniably one that’s sparked conversation—and cemented her place as a fearless artist unafraid to push boundaries.
In the midst of her electrifying performance, Jennifer Lopez shared a kiss with both a male and a female dancer—an act that sparked mixed reactions among viewers. While many applauded her boldness, some accused her of ‘queerbaiting,’ a term defined on Wikipedia as “a marketing technique for fiction and entertainment in which creators hint at, but do not depict, same-sex romance or other LGBTQ+ representation.”
Critics didn’t hold back. One harsh comment read, “After 4 husbands, she needed to go to the other side.” Another added, “She would do anything for publicity.”
Despite the backlash, Jennifer’s dedication to her craft was undeniable. She had been rehearsing tirelessly for weeks, even sustaining a facial injury during practice—but her commitment never wavered.
Addressing the controversy in an interview with ET, Jennifer kept it simple: “It was fun… it’s always about love.”
Reflecting on the performance, she explained, “There was a whole narrative to the whole performance. It was beautiful.”

“It’s always about love, about finding your way and remembering who you truly are,” Jennifer Lopez explained.
She expressed pride in her performance but didn’t shy away from revealing the cost: “It actually cost me three stitches.”
During rehearsals, Jennifer accidentally “smashed [her] own face” into her knee, leading to a facial injury that required stitches and prompted a quick change to the choreography. “I didn’t trust myself to do it again without smashing my face again,” she admitted with a laugh.
Following her show-stopping opening, comedian Tiffany Haddish took the stage to celebrate the superstar. “How cool is it to have a total superstar like J.Lo hosting the AMAs?” she joked.
Tiffany playfully suggested renaming the event the “JMAs” and praised Jennifer for dancing through 23 hits in just six minutes. “Just from that opening number alone, Jenny from the Block has got all her steps in for the day—and all her kisses in,” she added with a wink.
“Save a dancer for me, J.Lo. Damn! You ain’t the only one out here single,” Haddish quipped, keeping the energy light and fun.
Throughout the night, Jennifer dazzled with eight outfit changes, capping off a truly unforgettable evening. Shortly after the show, she thrilled fans with a big announcement on Instagram: a new Las Vegas residency!
“SURPRISE JLOVERS! We’re back! I’m doing a residency in Las Vegas! Join me for Up All Night Live at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Dec 30 – Jan 3, & select dates in March!” she shared.
What did you think of Jennifer Lopez’s unforgettable AMAs performance? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!