Jennifer Lopez’s First Husband Recalls Her ‘Anxieties and Insecurities,’ Says He Relates to ‘Amazing’ Ben Affleck

Jennifer Lopez’s first husband, Ojani Noa, has opened up about his time with the global superstar, reflecting on her early career anxieties and insecurities. In a recent interview, Noa, who was married to Lopez for less than a year in 1997, also expressed empathy for her current husband, Ben Affleck, praising him for being “amazing” in navigating the complexities of being with someone as high-profile as Lopez.

Noa met Lopez when she was still transitioning from dancer to breakout actress. At the time, she had yet to reach the level of global stardom she enjoys today. “She wasn’t the J.Lo everyone knows now,” Noa shared. “She was still finding her way, and like anyone in that situation, she had her share of anxieties and insecurities about where her career was going and whether she would make it.”

Lopez's determination to succeed, paired with the pressures of rising fame, created moments of self-doubt. “She was always driven—there was never a question about her work ethic. But I remember she had moments where she worried if she was good enough, or if she’d ever get to where she wanted to be,” Noa recalled. “Those early years were tough, and it wasn’t always easy for her.”

Now, years later, Noa says he feels a sense of understanding and connection with Lopez’s current husband, Ben Affleck, who is navigating his own challenges being in the public eye while married to one of the most famous women in the world. “I can only imagine the pressure Ben is under,” Noa said. “Being with someone like Jennifer, who is constantly in the spotlight, can be overwhelming. But from what I’ve seen, he’s an amazing guy—he’s strong, grounded, and seems to really love her.”

Affleck, who has faced his own personal struggles, including addiction and the pressures of Hollywood, has been candid about the complexities of his relationship with Lopez. Noa, who had a front-row seat to Lopez’s rise, believes that the media attention surrounding their relationship can take a toll. “It’s not easy being in a relationship where every move is scrutinized. I understand what he’s going through, and I respect how he’s handled it.”

Despite his short-lived marriage to Lopez, Noa insists that he still holds her in high regard. “She’s always been an incredible woman, and I’m proud of everything she’s achieved. We were young, and things didn’t work out, but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s an amazing person.”

Noa’s insights come as Lopez and Affleck continue to navigate the ups and downs of their high-profile marriage. While Lopez’s insecurities from her early career may now be behind her, Noa’s reflections remind us that even the most successful stars experience doubt and vulnerability on their way to the top.

As Affleck and Lopez continue to build their life together, Noa believes that the key to their success lies in mutual support. “They both come from intense, high-pressure worlds, but I think they’ve found a way to balance each other out. Ben’s been through his own battles, and Jennifer’s faced her challenges. Together, they seem like they’ve found a real partnership.”