The love story between Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck has hit the rocks yet again. In what could likely be Hollywood’s biggest 2024 news, the pair are getting a divorce. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Jennifer Lopez, 55, applied to the Los Angeles County Superior Court seeking a termination of her marriage with 52-year-old Ben Affleck.
The pair tied the knot in 2022 after decades of a rollercoaster relationship. The marriage was widely celebrated by the entertainment community and fans of both celebrities. Although the duo wedded on July 17, 2022, their traditional wedding took place on August 20, 2022, in Greece. Exactly two years later, Lopez initiated the divorce process.
The move will take many fans unawares, as the couple looked like they had finally weathered the storms and were destined for each other. Let’s take a walk down memory lane as we explore Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s troubled love history and find out the possible reasons for their marriage’s crash.
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Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Have Parted Ways
According to journalists who gained access to court records, Lopez listed April 26, 2024, as the date of separation. The singer didn’t seek the help of a lawyer in filing the divorce as she reportedly did so herself. Also, she didn’t mention any prenuptial agreement.
The love story between Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck began on a movie set in 2002. They both starred in the 2002 romantic comedy, “Gigli,” during which they developed affection for each other. At this time, Lopez was already married to her second husband, Filipino American dancer Cris Judd.
Afterward, in July of the same year, Lopez and Jude parted ways. Lopez then began a romantic relationship with Affleck. The public got wind of the relationship after they were spotted sharing a kiss at her 32nd birthday party. Two days later, Lopez filed for divorce from Judd.
Later in November, Affleck popped the question while Lopez was at his family home for a visit. She said “yes,” followed by Affleck sliding a diamond ring, which reportedly cost $2.5 million, onto her finger.
“It was the most cleansing feeling and the most wonderful feeling I had ever had,” she described. “I had cried a lot of sadness over the years. And for the first time in my life, I cried incredible purging tears of happiness,” she also stated.
Their wedding was to be held in September 2003. But shockingly, a day before D-day, they both announced its postponement. In a joint statement, they blamed the “excessive media attention” for the postponement.
Four months later, in January 2004, news of their separation hit major headlines. In June of the same year, Lopez married singer Marc Anthony, a union that produced two children. Affleck also married Jennifer Garner and had three children.
They Rekindled Their Romance in 2021
In April 2021, signs that Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck could get back together began to surface. Journalists had contacted Affleck to get his thoughts on J.Lo’s personality. Affleck was full of praise for his former lover, describing her in glowing terms.
In July, the rumors making the rounds of a reunion proved to be true. They were seen kissing during J. Lo’s 52nd birthday celebration. Affleck let the cat out of the bag in December by describing the renewed fire between the two in an interview.
The relationship lasted several months before news broke about their second engagement in April 2022. Photos of a diamond ring on Lopez’s finger made the rounds on the internet.
On Saturday, July 16, 2022, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck finally said “I do” to each other. After that, they traveled to Paris for a honeymoon. On their return, they threw a party at Affleck’s Georgia compound, after which they posed for family photos.
Rumors of another split began to filter into social media discourse after sources saw Affleck leaving his California home alone. Also, someone saw Jennifer Lopez house-hunting alone after Affleck moved out of their house in July.
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Why Did Jennifer Lopez Divorce Ben Affleck?
Fans thought the “Bennifer” reunion would work because they would have learned from their previous mistakes. Sadly, it looks like the decades-old romance has finally come to an end. But what could be responsible for their unfortunate divorce?
Since the details of their split became public, a slew of sources have offered several explanations for their separation. One source said Affleck disliked the extra publicity Lopez attracted during their outings.
According to the source, it began on their honeymoon. “He was unhappy with the paparazzi following them,” the source disclosed. “He acted like it came as a surprise that they would be followed around.” This issue and probably some others allegedly spiraled into unreconciled differences.
The Kids Remain the Priority
After news of the divorce broke, a source shared some insight on Lopez’s battle to keep the marriage. “She tried really hard to make things work and is heartbroken,” the source said. Despite the marriage crash, the source stated that Lopez and Affleck will do what’s in their children’s best interests. “The kids are a top priority, as they always have been,” the source added.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s children had bonded well after spending lots of time together before the divorce. Affleck has Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12, while Lopez has Emme and Max, who are 16-year-old twins. The kids have also developed great relationships with their step-parents.
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