Jennifer Lopez once again generated conversation on social networks after sharing his particular definition of what it means to be a true new yorker. During a recent appearance on the digital program Subway Takesthe artist stated that only people born in the city can claim that title.
“Everyone wants to take over our citybut you have to be born in New York. “You have to be born in one of the five boroughs to be a New Yorker,” said the Jenny From the Block interpreter during a conversation with the content creator Kareem Rahma.
The actress and singer, born in the Bronx and of Puerto Rican descent, made the comment when Rahma told her that, after moving to New York in 2012, some residents had told her that after ten years living there she could consider herself a New Yorker.
“I did not sign that petition.”
Far from agreeing with that idea, López made it clear that does not share that vision.
When Rahma tried to defend her position by arguing that lives and pays taxes in the citythe artist responded that she did not agree with that unwritten rule.
“When you are born in New York is when you are truly a New Yorker,” the singer insisted.
The star also reaffirmed his position with a phrase that quickly went viral: “I said what I said. I meant it”.
The networks react
López’s statements caused mixed reactions among users and public figures.
Some supported his opinion, including the actress Kerry Washingtonwho stated that he agreed with the singer’s position.
However, others criticized his words, considering that they contradict the multicultural and immigrant history that characterizes New York.
Several users pointed out that the city has been built over generations by people born in different parts of the world who subsequently made New York their home.
The interview is part of the promotion of Office Romancethe new romantic comedy Netflix starring Jennifer Lopez next to Brett Goldstein.
