Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow may come from very different corners of Hollywood. Still, the two stars found common ground while discussing something nearly every public figure knows too well: online criticism.
The actresses were part of the Los Angeles Times’ Envelope Oscar Actresses Roundtable, which brought together Lopez and Paltrow alongside Emily Blunt, Tessa Thompson, Elle Fanning, and Sydney Sweeney for a candid conversation about longevity, reinvention, and surviving constant public scrutiny.
During the discussion, the topic turned to how they handle harsh commentary about their work and personal lives. Paltrow was blunt about her approach. “I try to never read anything about myself. Full stop. Ever. Period,” she said, explaining that avoiding commentary has been key to protecting her mental health.
Lopez, for her part, admitted her strategy isn’t quite as absolute. She shared that while she avoids reviews, feedback still finds its way to her—both the good and the bad. That’s when the two women shared a moment of dark humor about stumbling across negativity.
“And you want to die,” Lopez joked, prompting instant agreement from Paltrow. “Want to die!” Paltrow echoed, describing how even well-meaning friends forwarding “supportive” messages can still expose her to brutal commentary.
She added that she ultimately deleted Instagram to create distance from that cycle.
Others at the table chimed in with similar experiences. Blunt noted she had also stepped away from social media, while Lopez summed it up: “You need to cleanse every once in a while.”
Not everyone felt able to disconnect entirely, with Sweeney admitting she finds it challenging to step away fully.
Beyond social media, Lopez and Paltrow also reflected on the criticism they faced for expanding their careers beyond acting.
Paltrow spoke about the backlash she received after launching Goop, saying her pivot into entrepreneurship confused people and came with years of skepticism.
Lopez related to that experience, recalling the doubts she faced when transitioning from acting to music.