In a candid interview, Gwyneth Paltrow has spoken out about ex-husband Chris Martin's relationship with Jennifer Lawrence, her past romances with A-listers Brad Pitt and Ben Affleck and how she consoled friends Jay-Z and Beyonce after the notorious elevator feud in May.

Speaking to radio presenter Howard Stern on SiriusXM, the actress said, "Who says I don't approve of Jennifer Lawrence?", in reference to the fact that her ex-husband, Coldplay singer Chris Martin, is dating The Hunger Games actress.

"I respect him as the father of my children and it's his life, it's his decision... He wouldn't be with someone who isn't great."

Paltrow, 42, added that she "actually (has) a really strong friendship" with Chris Martin, whom she was married to for 11 years and had two children - Apple, 10 and Moses, 7 - with.

"There are times when it's really difficult and things happen and ... I'm sure he doesn't want to hang out with me and I don't want to hang out with him, but for the sake of your kids you do it but you also don't do it all tense. You really say, 'I really want to find my love for you.'"

Gwyneth Paltrow speaks out about Jennifer Lawrence, her exes and why 'conscious uncoupling' was misunderstood