Jennifer Lopez says you must be born in New York to be a true New Yorker, drawing both agreement and criticism on social media after her appearance on the video series Subway Takes earlier today.
The Bronx-born superstar made the statement while sitting in a subway car during an interview with host Kareem Rahma. “You have to be born in New York to be a New Yorker,” Lopez said. “Everybody wants to claim our city, but you have to be born in New York. You have to be born in one of the five boroughs to be a New Yorker.”
Rahma, who moved to New York in 2012, countered by saying locals told him he could claim the title after 10 years. Lopez doubled down on her stance, saying “When you’re born in New York is when you’re really a New Yorker.” She emphasized her position again, adding, “I said what I said. I meant it.”
Jennifer Lopez says you must be born in New York to be a true New Yorker
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The comment sparked mixed reactions online. Some social media users agreed with Lopez, while others criticized her take, arguing that New York is a city built on immigration and that people who have lived and contributed to the city should also be considered New Yorkers. Media personality Keith Edwards posted, “This is anti immigrant!!!!” on social media in response to her statement.
Lopez appeared on Subway Takes while promoting her new Netflix romantic comedy Office Romance with Brett Goldstein, which recently premiered.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter — Lopez’s full Subway Takes interview, her statement about being born in New York, Rahma’s response, and Lopez’s emphasis on her position
- Yahoo Entertainment — Lopez’s statement and confirmation that her comments sparked debate online
- USA Today — Lopez’s specific quote about needing to be born in one of the five boroughs
