'Real Housewives' star Luann de Lesseps apologizes after saying Jennifer Lopez is 'from the hood'

'From the hood' typically refers to growing up in a low-income urban neighborhood, making Luann de Lesseps' remark controversial
Luann de Lesseps apologized after referring to Jennifer Lopez as being 'from the hood' during an interview, while Lopez has yet to respond (Lester Cohen/Getty Images for The Recording Academy, Instagram/@countessluann)
Luann de Lesseps apologized after referring to Jennifer Lopez as being 'from the hood' during an interview, while Lopez has yet to respond (Lester Cohen/Getty Images for The Recording Academy, Instagram/@countessluann)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Jennifer Lopez may be surprised if she watches 'Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip' star Luann de Lesseps’ latest interview. The original 'Real Housewives' star went viral after accidentally referring to JLo as being “from the hood.”

The incident occurred during the Sunday, August 9, premiere of the spinoff. Lesseps has since publicly apologized for the remark. While JLo has not yet responded to the apology, it remains to be seen how she reacts.

'The Real Housewives of New York City' alum Luann De Lesseps is dating (Instagram/@countessluann)
'The Real Housewives of New York City' alum Luann De Lesseps is dating (Instagram/@countessluann)

Luann de Lesseps apologizes to Jennifer Lopez

The incident occurred when 'The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring ’20s' star was asked whether she preferred being called 'Countess' or 'Lu.'

“I’m really just Lu from Connecticut,” Luann said during the Entertainment Weekly interview. She then tried to make a comparison and unexpectedly brought up JLo, saying, “Like JLo is from... the hood?”

The comparison appeared to catch the producer off guard, prompting him to respond, "Um, from the block?" "Oh, sorry!" Luann exclaimed.

She continued, "I couldn’t think! Because let me tell you, I lived for many years in Europe during the ’90s and 2000s." 

Jennifer Lopez attends the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 07, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Jennifer Lopez attends the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 07, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

"Of course, I know Jenny from the Block, but I forgot. So I said the hood. I’m a little embarrassed. I hope JLo is not upset with me because I love her.” She added, “We love JLo!”

Why did the word "hood" spark controversy? The phrase "from the hood" is commonly used to describe someone who grew up in a low-income urban neighborhood or an area associated with economic hardship and social challenges.

Jennifer Lopez has faced public backlash before

Lopez has faced criticism on several occasions over the years, including the Glambot incident, claims of a cold reception at the Met Gala, the documentary 'The Greatest Love Story Never Told,' and comments about the working class.

WESTWOOD, CA - JULY 27:   Actress Jennifer Lopez and actor Ben Affleck attend the premiere of Revolu
Actress Jennifer Lopez and actor Ben Affleck attend the premiere of Revolution Studios' and Columbia Pictures' film 'Gigli' at the Mann National Theatre July 27, 2003 in Westwood, California (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

But the most highlighted backlash she received came from her high-profile divorce from Ben Affleck.

However, JLo never looked back or commented on the negative remarks. She moved forward and started living her life. She even shared a reel on her Instagram with the caption, “When you keep going it just keeps getting better.”

During a 'Nightline' interview, which aired on 'Good Morning America,' the 56-year-old singer said, “I had to stop everything, and I took a year off. I canceled tours,” Lopez told host Juju Chang, referring to the May 2024 cancellation of her 'This Is Me... Live' tour.

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