The Unexpected Truth: Who Is Star Jones' 'Son' Jake Lugo And What Is He Doing Now?

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For years, the personal life of television personality and attorney Star Jones has been a subject of intense public fascination, from her high-profile legal career to her dramatic weight loss journey and her contentious departure from *The View*. As of late 2025, the most frequently asked question revolves around her family life, specifically her "son."

The truth is that Star Jones, the current Judge on *Divorce Court*, does not have a biological or adopted child of her own. The young man who has become a central figure in her life and frequently appears on her social media is Jake Lugo, her beloved stepson and the son of her husband, Ricardo Lugo. This article dives deep into the dynamic of their modern family, providing the most current details on Jake's life and the woman who proudly calls herself his stepmother.

Star Jones: A Full Biography and Career Profile

Starlet Marie Jones Lugo, known professionally as Star Jones, is an American lawyer, journalist, television personality, and author. Her career spans decades, marked by pivotal roles in law and media.

  • Full Name: Starlet Marie Jones Lugo
  • Date of Birth: March 24, 1962
  • Age (as of late 2025): 63 years old
  • Birthplace: Badin, North Carolina, U.S.
  • Education: Graduated from the American University (B.A., 1983) and the University of Houston Law Center (J.D., 1986).
  • Notable Career Roles:
    • Former New York City Homicide Prosecutor.
    • Legal Correspondent/Analyst for NBC News.
    • Co-Host of *The View* (1997–2006).
    • Author of several best-selling books, including *You Have to Stand for Something, or You'll Fall for Anything*.
    • Current Role: Judge on the television court show, *Divorce Court* (since 2022).
  • Marital Status: Married to Ricardo Lugo (since 2018).
  • Family: Stepmother to Jake Lugo.

Jake Lugo: The Stepson Who Completed Star Jones' Family

The confusion surrounding Star Jones' "son" stems from her deep and public bond with Jake Lugo, the son of her second husband, Ricardo Lugo. Star Jones has been very open about her role as a stepmother, embracing the title and the responsibilities that come with it.

The Modern Family Dynamic

Star Jones married Ricardo Lugo, a corporate executive and attorney, in a lavish ceremony aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in the Bahamas in 2018. The wedding was a week-long celebration attended by 150 guests, including celebrities like Tina Lawson and Holly Robinson Peete. Ricardo Lugo brought Jake, his son from a previous marriage, into the union.

While Star Jones has no biological children of her own—a fact she has openly discussed—she has enthusiastically taken on the role of a parental figure for Jake. She frequently shares moments with Jake on her Instagram, celebrating his achievements and major life milestones, often referring to him as her "favorite young man" or part of her "family."

What Is Jake Lugo Doing in 2025?

While Jake Lugo maintains a relatively private life compared to his celebrity stepmother, details from the time of Star and Ricardo's wedding provide a clear picture of his current stage in life. When the couple married in 2018, Jake was reported to be around 12 years old. This means that, as of late 2025, Jake Lugo is estimated to be approximately 20 or 21 years old.

At this age, Jake is likely navigating young adulthood—possibly attending college or beginning his professional career. Star Jones' social media posts often hint at his life, showing a supportive and close-knit family environment. His presence is a testament to the successful blending of the Lugo-Jones family, proving that a parent-child bond is defined by love and commitment, not just biology.

Star Jones' Public Health Journey and *The View* Legacy

To fully understand Star Jones' life in 2025, it is essential to look at the health and career challenges that shaped her public image, providing context to her current role as a respected judge and family woman.

The Weight Loss and Health Transformation

One of the most significant chapters in Star Jones' public life was her dramatic health transformation. Jones once weighed over 300 pounds and, after a long internal struggle, made the decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery in 2003.

She initially kept the surgery a secret, which later led to controversy. However, she has since become a vocal advocate for heart health and wellness, openly discussing the shame and struggles she faced. Her choice to "jump start" her road to health with surgery and then maintain her weight loss through a complete lifestyle change has inspired countless people to prioritize their own well-being.

The Controversial Exit from *The View*

Star Jones was one of the original and most popular co-hosts of the daytime talk show *The View* from 1997 to 2006. Her departure became one of the show's most controversial moments.

In 2006, Jones announced on air that she would be leaving the show, a move that reportedly blindsided co-creator Barbara Walters. Star later claimed that her contract was not being renewed and that she felt "fired." The controversy was further fueled by reports that details of her gastric bypass surgery were being leaked to the press by others at the show, which Jones felt was an attempt to "ruin her reputation." Despite the contentious split, Jones has returned to the show over the years, showing a willingness to move past the past and focus on her current success as Judge Star on *Divorce Court*.

Key Entities and Topical Authority Summary

Star Jones' life is a mosaic of high-profile entities and personal milestones that define her career in 2025:

  • Starlet Marie Jones Lugo: Her full name.
  • Ricardo Lugo: Her current husband.
  • Jake Lugo: Her stepson and the subject of the "Star Jones son" queries.
  • Judge Star: Her current professional moniker on *Divorce Court*.
  • ***The View*: The daytime talk show where she gained national prominence.
  • Gastric Bypass Surgery: The medical procedure central to her health transformation.
  • Barbara Walters: The co-creator of *The View* involved in her contentious exit.
  • University of Houston Law Center: Where she earned her law degree.
  • American University: Where she completed her undergraduate degree.
  • Homicide Prosecutor: Her early career role in New York City.
  • Heart Health: Her current advocacy focus.
  • Royal Caribbean: The cruise line where she married Ricardo Lugo.
  • Tina Lawson: A celebrity guest at her wedding.
  • Mimi: The family's Maltese dog, often featured in family photos.
  • Emmy Award Nominated: A recognition of her hosting career.

Star Jones' journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and a commitment to a modern, blended family. Her stepson, Jake Lugo, is a clear priority in her life, demonstrating that family is built on love and presence, not just bloodlines.

star jones son
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