If you own a television, you've probably seen Jennifer Lopez's Fiat commercial, which features Lopez apparently cruising slowly through the streets of her childhood block(s) in the Bronx. Big star remembers her roots -- such a feel-good message! Actually, not quite. The Fiat went to the block, but Jenny never did. What we were watching was not Lopez, but rather a body double taking an Italian ride through the Bronx's gritty streets.
Were we duped? According to The Smoking Gun, two different sources confirm that Lopez filmed her spot in Los Angeles, while a lookalike back east drove the car. And Doner, the advertising agency behind the ad, certainly did nothing to make anyone think differently. Doner suggested the commercial “explores her personal take on how life in the New York City borough continues to inspire her to be tougher, to stay sharper and to think faster.” TSG also adds that Fiat boss Olivier Francois also chimed in, claiming “we watch as she leaves Manhattan and makes her way back to the Bronx, where she grew up and continues to be inspired by.”
Does it matter? From a truth-in-advertising standpoint, sure, this is another blemish. But really, how much stock has anyone ever put in the whole Jenny From the Block persona? I for one found the song catchy enough when it came out, but I've yet to mistake Lopez for, say, Kate Middleton, loading bagged potatoes and O.J. onto the conveyor belt at the checkout counter in her hometown grocery store.
Fiat, you win round one ... Jenny from the Block, we never really even knew you.
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