Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck split rumours to ‘distract from career downfall’

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have been hit with intense split speculation, but PR experts believe the rumours were started to keep the singer’s “career downfall” out of the spotlight.

J-Lo recently said she was “heartsick and devastated” as she cancelled her This Is Me… Live tour amid low ticket sales. Her latest Netflix film has also been branded a “rotten flop” by critics and there are reports that her multimillion-dollar Las Vegas residency is set to be scrapped.

Amid the fallout, her marriage to Ben is also believed to be on the rocks. However, PR expert Mayah Riaz isn’t so sure. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, she said: “In March, JLo cancelled the last seven dates of the tour. Then in April, the tour name was changed from This Is Me…Now to This Is Me … Live: The Greatest Hits.

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Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her tour
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Getty Images for DirecTV)

“It’s no wonder there’s speculation about the divorce rumours surrounding her and Ben could have been created to distract from her career downfall. It is not uncommon for celebrities to face speculation and rumours, particularly during challenging times in their careers.

“Divorce rumours or personal life distractions can sometimes be used as a strategy to divert attention from any professional setbacks.” The PR to the stars added: “It is important to stress that we should approach such rumours with Jennifer and Ben with scepticism until we have credible confirmation.”

PR expert Ryan McCormick agreed with Mayah. He told us: “Ms. Lopez may be enduring a tribulation that she doesn’t want made public.

“It could be about her marriage to Ben Affleck which seems to be under intense scrutiny daily. However, may also be that ticket sales haven’t been exceptional. If Lopez is seen performing in half-filled arenas, it’ll harm her image. Cancelling the tour may have actually been a choice between lesser of two PR disasters.”

J-Lo and Ben Affleck have been hit with split rumours
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AFP via Getty Images)

Leading US publicist Michael Levine said J-Lo’s tour cancellation must have been a tough decision for her to make. He told us: “In light of recent developments, Jennifer Lopez has made the difficult decision to cancel her upcoming tour. Despite her unparalleled talent and dedication, the tour faced numerous challenges, including reports of low ticket sales and the need to cancel several dates.

“Last month, the tour was rebranded as a greatest hits show to align with audience interests after her latest album, ‘This Is Me… Now,’ received mixed reviews and saw a decline on the Billboard charts. The accompanying feature film, ‘This Is Me… Now: A Love Story,’ and the documentary, ‘The Greatest Love Story Never Told,’ did not resonate as strongly with fans as anticipated.”

When J-Lo cancelled her tour, she issued a message to fans on her website. She said: “I am completely heartsick and devastated about letting you down. Please know that I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t feel that it was absolutely necessary. I promise I will make it up to you and we will all be together again.” Jennifer added: “I love you all so much. Until next time.”