Jennifer Lopez NOT “Bride-To-Be,” Despite Ring On Date Night With Alex Rodriguez

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Jennifer Lopez is not a “bride-to-be,” nor is she engaged to Alex Rodriguez. A website has jumped to the wrong conclusion just because the singer stepped out wearing a ring while on a date night. Gossip Cop can exclusively bust the speculation.

“Bride-To-Be? J.Lo Flashes Ring While On Hollywood Date Night With A.Rod,” reads a headline from RadarOnline, which begins by asking if the couple is “engaged.” Noting the pair were photographed in West Hollywood, the site claims Lopez was “wearing a shimmery ring on a very important hand.” That leads the blog to wonder, “Is marriage in the near future for the famous duo?”

The website maintains “fans quickly noticed… Lopez’s left hand was hidden under her furry white coat,” yet also insists there were “clear signs of a glittery diamond ring.” Gossip Cop isn’t sure how there were “signs” of a sparkling ring if her hand was “hidden” under a coat. Rather than explaining that inconsistency, the online publication goes on to bring up its recent claim that Lopez won’t “marry the former athlete unless he follow[s] all her diva demands.” Ultimately, the website turns to its readers, asking, “Do you think Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez are secretly engaged?”

The problems here are numerous. First off, real journalists don’t look to readers to provide answers. Media outlets themselves are supposed to research and investigate. Second, Gossip Cop already called out the site more than a month ago when it first peddled inaccurate claims about Lopez giving Rodriguez “pre-wedding rules.” And third, while it’s true the couple were seen hand-in hand, no reputable publications made the same assumption that they’re engaged.

The paparazzi photos that RadarOnline is using to fuel its engagement speculation were purchased by a number of outlets. E! Online pointed out Lopez’s “chic sheer top,” while Vogue noted both Lopez and Rodriguez were in denim. Other websites ran similar pieces. None legitimately questioned whether Lopez was sporting an engagement ring. It should also be noted that the “Shades Of Blue” star often favors sparkly baubles. Such jewels are indicative of her love for accessories, not signals about her relationship status.

Such claims are little more than examples of lazy reporting. For instance, it was exactly a year ago that Gossip Cop busted HollywoodLife on March 10, 2017 for similarly speculating Lopez and Rodriguez were engaged because she was supposedly “flaunting a huge sparkler on her wedding finger.” Like Radar, the blog opted to fuel rumors rather than fact-check. But Gossip Cop investigated then and we did so again now. A rep for Lopez exclusively confirms to us once again, “She’s isn’t engaged.”