Jennifer Lopez's Controversial Take on New Yorkers Sparks Debate

Jennifer Lopez weighed in on what makes someone a true New Yorker during an appearance on Kareem Rahma’s “Subway Takes,” dividing the internet.

The proud Bronx native claimed on the YouTube series while riding the subway that you have to be born in New York to call yourself a true New Yorker. Rahma pressed her that even someone who pays New York taxes and has lived in the city for 50 years. Do they count? JLo did not budge.

“I said what I said,” she said. “You live in New York. You take on characteristics of New Yorkers probably by that time. You have a New York sensibility, [but] when you’re born in New York is when you’re really a New Yorker.”

New York transplants and natives alike sparked a debate in JLo’s comment section and across the internet. Comedian and Brooklyn native Robby Hoffman commented “100% agree” on the Instagram post.

Julia Fox, who was born in a small town in Italy but spent most of her childhood in New York City, agreed with the actress and singer, too.

“She’s actually right. If you haven’t suffered through childhood here you are NOT a New Yorker sorryyyy,” she wrote.

Real Housewives of New York City alum Carole Radziwill disagreed with the star though. As a born and raised New Yorker herself, she believed that the beauty of the city was claiming it at any age.

“No. The point is that NYC welcomes everyone,” she replied in the comments. “Anyone can be a New Yorker if they choose to make a life here. Duh.”

The “Subway Takes” host himself even weighed in on the debate in the comments. Rahma was born in Cairo, Egypt but has lived in New York most of his adult life. He even made his fame off a YouTube series romanticizing its public transportation system.

In the original video with JLo he said New Yorkers told him after a decade he could claim the city. His thesis argued that if you pay the city a significant portion in taxes you should be able to call yourself a New Yorker.

“Ok I figured it out. There is ‘born and raised New Yorker’ and there is ‘New Yorker’ which happens after you pay over $100k in taxes and also contribute to the vibe of the city in a positive manner,” he wrote in his own comment section. “After that the financial and vibe contributions, you have to accumulate a minimum of 15 consecutive years living in the boroughs. And then you have to have a child born in one of the 5 boroughs. After that, then you can call yourself a New Yorker.”

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

My list of must-try jean trends for 2026 is growing; it currently includes all the silhouettes one denim expert revealed to me as the must-watch of the year (save for baggy jeans, because I’ve been wearing those for years). That said, one style that didn’t land on said aforementioned list, but is clearly due for big, big things this year, is flare jeans. With a growing list of celebrity fans that includes Meghan Markle, Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Cindy Crawford, Kendrick Lamar (you know that moment), and, of course, Amal Clooney, there’s no denying the retro denim style that was popular in the early aughts is back—and bigger than ever.

The fact that Clooney wore flared jeans is noteworthy in and of itself. The human rights lawyer is known for her refined dressing approach, regularly opting for billowy trousers, trendy boho blouses, and comfy sweater dresses—all staples that read elegant and timeless. So, when I spotted her earlier this year in the laid-back blues while out to dinner with hubby George Clooney, I knew I had to write about it. Of course, the fact that she wore flare jeans, the style countless celebs have worn the last few weeks, is noteworthy, too, as it further cements the style’s ‘It’ status for 2026.