Leah Remini has finally addressed years of speculation about her friendship with Jennifer Lopez. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly this week, the 54-year-old actress and activist dismissed rumors of a feud and opened up about how the two reconnected after going through major life transitions—Remini’s divorce after more than two decades of marriage, and Lopez’s separation from Ben Affleck.
A Reconnection During Personal Upheaval
Remini filed for divorce from her longtime husband Angelo Pagán in July 2024, citing irreconcilable differences. The split marked the end of a 20-plus-year marriage that had seen both personal and professional highs and lows. The couple, who share a daughter, Sofia, had often appeared together in public and on Remini’s docuseries. Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez’s much-publicized breakup with actor Ben Affleck in August 2024 brought an end to what was considered one of Hollywood’s most iconic love stories. The couple had rekindled their relationship in 2021 and married in 2022, but reportedly grew apart due to career pressures and lifestyle differences.
Though these events occurred independently, they became a moment of shared vulnerability for Remini and Lopez.
Rumors of a Falling-Out: “Friendships Ebb and Flow”
Speculation about the state of their friendship began in the early 2020s, as fans noticed the once inseparable duo weren’t being spotted together as frequently. Social media posts, joint public appearances, and casual get-togethers seemed to disappear from public view.
But Remini insists this distance was never about a falling-out.
This mature and reflective stance underscores how Remini views relationships—not based on constant presence, but on deeper, long-lasting emotional bonds. And for fans who adored their chemistry in the 2018 romantic comedy Second Act, it’s a reassuring reminder that even Hollywood friendships can evolve without ending.
J.Lo’s Packed Schedule May Also Be a Factor
While Leah Remini has largely stayed away from the spotlight since the end of her docuseries Scientology and the Aftermath, Jennifer Lopez has been on a nonstop professional streak in 2025.
Just a few weeks ago, Lopez hosted and performed at the 2025 American Music Awards on Memorial Day (May 26), held at the new Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Dressed in multiple show-stopping outfits, she delivered a medley of hits that spanned her decades-long career and introduced new tracks from her recent studio album. Critics hailed her as a “dynamic force” who continues to defy age and expectations in the music industry.
Following the AMAs, Lopez surprised fans by announcing a new Las Vegas residency titled “Jennifer Lopez: Up All Night Live” at Caesars Palace. According to her team, the residency is set to kick off with four special New Year’s shows from December 30, 2025, through January 3, 2026, before expanding into a full run in March 2026. Tickets sold out in minutes, and the production promises to be one of the most elaborate Vegas shows of the decade.
And that’s not all. Lopez is set to headline the World Pride Music Festival in Washington, D.C., on June 7, 2025. The event is part of the city’s massive celebration of LGBTQ+ rights and pride, bringing together artists like Troye Sivan, Kim Petras, and RuPaul for a weekend of music, inclusion, and celebration. Lopez’s participation—her second time headlining a Pride event—reinforces her long-standing support for LGBTQ+ communities.
Upcoming Movie Role: Kiss of the Spider Woman
Adding to her already full plate, Lopez is preparing for her leading role in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman. The musical, based on the Tony Award–winning Broadway show from 1993 (itself adapted from Manuel Puig’s novel), tells the story of two cellmates—a revolutionary and a gay window-dresser—in an Argentine prison. Lopez plays the imagined film star Aurora, a role central to the escapist fantasy of the characters.
She stars opposite acclaimed Mexican actor Diego Luna and rising star Tonatiuh. Directed by Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Gods and Monsters), the film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival to strong critical acclaim, with early Oscar buzz surrounding Lopez’s performance. Critics called her portrayal “complex, commanding, and one of the finest roles of her career.”
The film is scheduled for wide theatrical release on October 10, 2025.
A Friendship That Endures—Even from Afar
Though Jennifer Lopez has yet to publicly comment on her friendship with Leah Remini, the two have clearly remained connected through texts and mutual respect. For fans hoping for another collaboration or public appearance, Remini’s interview offers reassurance that their bond—though perhaps quieter—is far from broken.
In an industry often defined by short-lived connections and high-profile drama, the enduring friendship between Leah Remini and Jennifer Lopez is a reminder that true relationships are built to last—even when life gets busy.
