It’s a line that became bigger than the interview itself. Back in 2003, Mariah Carey was asked about Jennifer Lopez and casually responded with four words that would echo through pop culture forever: “I don’t know her.” What seemed like a throwaway comment at the time quickly took on a life of its own, morphing into one of the most enduring memes in celebrity history. Now, more than 20 years later, Mariah has revisited that shady yet honest moment.
During her October 1 appearance on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen," Mariah addressed the infamous line once again. “I mean, the thing is I was being honest when I said it,” she explained. “So, I don’t know how it became so big. Honesty isn’t really something that becomes big, most of the time.”
© Raymond HallHer clarification didn’t stop the audience from laughing when she doubled down on the idea that nothing has really changed. When asked if, after two decades, she and Lopez have gotten to know each other, she quipped: “How can I suddenly know—like, you know?”
Part of why “I don’t know her” has become such a classic is because it captures Mariah’s brand of humor, confidence, and unapologetic honesty. What’s more, the comment fed into ongoing rumors of a feud between Carey and Lopez, despite both singers insisting there’s no real animosity.
Andy Cohen even acknowledged the cultural staying power of the phrase during their chat. “The amount of time we’ve spent in these chairs discussing whether you know her is amazing,” he joked.
Mariah’s Past Clarifications
This wasn’t the first time the Grammy-winning singer addressed the topic. Back in 2016, she told Andy that there’s a difference between meeting someone and truly knowing them. “Like what am I supposed to say? I'm not going to put on a thing, ‘Oh, we’re all Hollywood and let’s just all pretend we’re best friends ‘cause we’re in that land.’ It’s no offense to anybody,” she said.
© SOPA ImagesShe even pointed out that people have misunderstood her original tone. “It wasn’t like I don’t know who she is—of course I do. That’s not the question.” Still, she admitted at the time that she was tired of the ongoing fascination: “That was so long ago. I can’t believe people still make such a big deal out of it.”
J. Lo’s Response
Jennifer Lopez, for her part, has handled the meme with equal grace and wit. On "The Wendy Williams Show" in 2016, she poked fun at the situation herself, saying, “She’s forgetful, I guess. We’ve met many times. I don’t know… I don’t know her that well.”
That simple remark reinforced the idea that both women are aware of the cultural phenomenon their interaction has become, and they’re not above leaning into the joke when it comes up.
Why “I Don’t Know Her” Lives On
Two decades later, the phrase remains one of the most instantly recognizable memes in pop culture. It’s been used in countless reaction gifs, Twitter threads, and even casual conversations, becoming shorthand for dismissive shade with a touch of diva flair.
For fans, it’s not really about whether Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez know each other in real life. It’s about the attitude, the delivery, and the fact that one offhand comment turned into a cultural reference point.
© Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeSo yes, Mariah knows of the existence of Jennifer; they simply don't know each other on a personal level.
