The supposed end of The Greatest Love Story Never Told has come as friends of the pair reveal that they are on the verge of divorce following unsuccessful attempts to reconcile.
Speculation about the marital troubles of Jennifer Lopez, 55, and her husband Ben Affleck, 51, has been gathering steam for quite some time.
The singer and her actor spouse were rarely seen together in public for months, and recent reports of him purchasing a “bachelor pad” only fueled the rumors.
Sources close to the couple disclosed on Thursday that divorce paperwork has been finalized but not submitted, marking their second split.
Their fairytale romance has once again ended in heartache, with JLo’s friends expressing that his new property purchase felt like a betrayal.
Despite the setbacks, the couple had some incredible moments during their reunion in 2021, 20 years after their initial split.
Now that news of their breakup has surfaced, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the highlights of their much-discussed romance.
The epic love saga that was never shared with the world has come to an end, according to sources close to the pair. Despite their efforts to reconcile, it seems like the couple is now heading towards divorce. This heartbreaking news comes after a series of failed attempts to mend their relationship, as seen in a photo from March 2024.
Speculation about the relationship between Jennifer Lopez, 55, and her spouse Ben Affleck, 51, has been growing for quite some time, with rumors circulating about possible troubles in their marriage. (as seen in a photo from 2003)
The singer and her actor husband were rarely seen together for long periods, and recent rumors of him purchasing a ‘bachelor pad’ only added fuel to the fire. They were last spotted together in 2002.
In the year 2001, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez crossed paths for the first time while working on the movie Gigli. Unfortunately, the film received harsh criticism upon its release two years later, earning seven Razzies and being called ‘unwatchable’ by many. Despite its flop at the box office, making only $7.2m against a $55m budget, it did have a silver lining – bringing Bennifer closer together.
It was in September 2002 when Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez first crossed paths while working together on the set of their movie Gigli.
Before their box office flop, Bennifer were back in front of the camera in 2002, reuniting for the 2004 film Jersey Girl. It was during this movie that their love story truly blossomed, and it was also where the iconic name ‘Bennifer’ was born. Director Kevin Smith coined the term during pre-production, and it quickly gained popularity once the media caught wind of their romance. Their public outings, including a red carpet debut at the Maid In Manhattan premiere, solidified their status as one of Hollywood’s most glamorous and photographed couples.
In 2002, Ben asked Jennifer to marry him while they were visiting his family in Boston, using an impressive 6.1-carat pink solitaire diamond from Harry Winston – a surprise that left Jennifer overjoyed. She fondly recalled the moment, describing how the house was covered in rose petals, candles, and bouquets, with her favorite song playing in the background. Ben, with the help of his mother, Christopher Anne Boldt, orchestrated the romantic proposal that left Jennifer in tears of happiness, a stark contrast to the sadness she had experienced in the past. The engagement was symbolized in Jennifer’s music video for “Jenny From The Block”, where Ben made a cameo appearance, followed by a heartfelt dedication to him in her song “Dear Ben” from her album This Is Me… Then. In September 2003, their love story continued to blossom.
Just days before their highly-anticipated wedding, the couple shocked fans with the announcement of a postponement, citing the overwhelming media attention as the reason. They expressed concerns about the intrusion of the media into what should have been a joyous occasion and decided to put a hold on the celebrations.
Their official statement mentioned the idea of hiring decoy brides to throw off the paparazzi, which made them realize that the situation had gotten out of hand. They didn’t want their special day to be tainted by the constant scrutiny and intrusion of the media, as it would not only affect them but also their families and friends.
In January 2004, the couple officially confirmed their split in a brief statement, with Jennifer’s representative asking for privacy during this difficult time. Soon after, Jennifer found solace in her friendship with Marc Anthony, seeking comfort and support during her loneliest moments. Looking back, she realized that perhaps her relationship with Marc was just a temporary fix for the pain she was going through.
Jennifer went on to marry Marc in June of that year and eventually had twins with him in 2008, before divorcing in 2014. On the other hand, Ben tied the knot with actress Jennifer Garner in 2005, and together they have three children. The couple split in 2018, ending their years-long marriage.
In 2004, Jennifer found solace in her close friend, Marc Anthony, and they tied the knot in June. Meanwhile, Ben exchanged vows with actress Jennifer Garner in 2005, and they have three kids together – Violet, 15, Seraphina, 12, and Samuel, 9. However, the couple parted ways in 2018.
By 2012, Ben emphasized that he and Jennifer Garner were still good friends, as he mentioned in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He shared that they may not seek advice from each other, but they have a supportive relationship. Ben praised Jennifer for her success and resilience in the face of adversity, such as during her time on American Idol.
In 2014, Jennifer reflected on her past relationship with Ben, expressing that she would not change a thing. She believes that every experience, both good and bad, contributes to personal growth and is a part of her life’s journey.
In 2016, the two continued to maintain a positive outlook on their past, with Jennifer stating in an interview with Huffington Post that she is willing to embrace all aspects of her past, including her past relationships, as they have all played a role in shaping who she is today.
In regards to their relationship, Jennifer discussed the challenges they faced as a couple in making things work.
She mentioned, “I believe that at a different time, things may have turned out differently for us. There was a real love between us, and we never sought out a public relationship… It just so happened that we were together during the rise of tabloids, and the pressure was overwhelming.”
In April of 2021, Jennifer made the unexpected decision to call off her engagement to former MLB star Alex Rodriguez, after he proposed to her in 2019.
In a joint statement, the couple announced, “We have come to the realization that we are better off as friends and we look forward to maintaining that friendship. We will continue to collaborate and support each other in our shared business ventures and projects.”
Following her engagement to MLB star Alex Rodriguez in 2019, Jennifer surprised everyone by calling it off in April.
Shortly after, Ben was spotted arriving at Jennifer’s house in a white Escalade SUV, which is rumored to be owned by the Hustlers actress. He was later seen being escorted by her security team.
They were also seen having multiple meet-ups at the Hotel Bel-Air around the same time.
According to TMZ, Affleck reached out to J-Lo via email while she was filming her rom-com Shotgun Wedding in the Dominican Republic earlier this year.
Sources claim they continued to stay in touch until Jennifer finished filming in late April, emphasizing that they were simply ‘friends.’
In May 2021, Ben surprised Jennifer by taking her on a private jet for a romantic trip to a luxury ski resort in Montana, where he is said to have a chalet.
Exclusive photos show the former couple looking relaxed and comfortable together as they rode in an SUV, with Ben behind the wheel, amidst rumors of him spending time at Jennifer’s LA mansion.
As they returned to LA, both Ben and Jennifer appeared casual and close as they exited the private plane with a significant amount of luggage.
In exclusive photos obtained by DailyMail.com, Ben, 48, and Jennifer, 51, seemed comfortable and relaxed in each other’s presence as they sat together in an SUV in Montana.
According to sources speaking to E!, the couple reportedly spent ‘about a week’ together at a club, enjoying their time alone during their stay.
After their getaway, Jennifer made multiple trips to Los Angeles to visit Ben before he headed to Lopez’s home in Miami, Florida for some quality time together.
While in Miami, Ben was spotted hanging out on Jennifer’s balcony smoking cigarettes before joining her for a workout session. Sources reported to In Touch that the couple looked ‘madly in love’ and were affectionate with each other, reminiscent of their relationship in the past.
In a confirmed rekindling of their romance on May 31, 2021, Ben and Jennifer were seen having a romantic date night in West Hollywood. They were seen wrapped in each other’s arms as they waited to be seated at Wolfgang Puck’s new restaurant in the Pendry hotel.
During the outing, Jennifer had her head on Ben’s neck as he held her close, showing affection towards each other. In June 2021, their relationship continued to blossom.
During the summer of 2021, speculation arose that Jennifer might be considering a move to the West Coast from Miami to be closer to Ben. This buzz started when she was spotted checking out schools in the LA area for her twins, Max and Emme, who are 13 years old. Reports suggested that Jennifer was eyeing Los Angeles as a potential new home because her Miami residence held memories of her past relationship, making a fresh start on the west coast appealing. Additionally, LA’s proximity to her TV projects and photo shoots seemed like a convenient fit for her busy schedule.
While this was all unfolding, Jennifer made herself comfortable in her lavish $28 million LA mansion, frequently paying visits to Ben’s home in Brentwood and getting caught leaving her Bel Air residence as well. The spark between Jennifer and Ben seemed to be reignited, as they were caught sharing a kiss during JLo’s sister Lynda’s birthday celebration in Malibu. The event was a family affair, with Max and Emme bonding with Ben during the gathering at Nobu restaurant.
Jennifer and Ben, with their relationship going strong, have been busy merging their families. They recently enjoyed a day out at Universal Studios Hollywood before the Fourth of July holiday. They were accompanied by Lopez’s twins and Affleck’s nine-year-old son Samuel. Afterward, they headed to the Hamptons for the Fourth of July celebrations with Lopez’s daughter Emme and a friend.
Ben was seen driving Jennifer around Los Angeles as they searched for a “mega-mansion,” sparking rumors of her possible relocation to be closer to him. The couple began house-hunting in the Los Angeles area earlier this year, checking out luxurious properties around the city. In March, it was reported that they are in the process of purchasing a $50 million mansion in Bel Air with 10 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms.
Ben showed his support for Jennifer by attending the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles on March 23, where she received the Icon Award. He sat in the audience with Jennifer’s daughter Emme, 14, and his son Samuel, nine.
In late March, Ben proudly stood by his famous girlfriend at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles, where she received the prestigious Icon Award.
Fast forward to April, after much speculation sparked by a dazzling ring on her finger, Jennifer finally confirmed her second engagement to Ben. The announcement came in a heartfelt newsletter on her official website on Friday, April 8, accompanied by a touching video of her emotional reaction to the engagement ring.
Earlier that day, before the news went public, Ben and Jennifer were spotted checking out potential real estate in Santa Monica. Interestingly, Jennifer was not wearing her engagement ring during their outing.
Jennifer made the happy announcement of her marriage to Ben in a newsletter on her official website on Friday, April 8. The heartfelt message was accompanied by a touching video capturing her emotional reaction to her engagement ring.
The couple exchanged vows in Las Vegas on July 16, 2022, just three months after rekindling their engagement and two decades after Ben first proposed. The 52-year-old Selena star, now officially Mrs. Jennifer Lynn Affleck, shared the details of their secret wedding in the Little White Wedding Chapel on her newsletter On The JLo.
In her post, Jennifer expressed her joy at finally saying ‘I do’, along with candid selfies and footage of their wedding day preparations. She reflected on the journey of their love, highlighting its beauty, patience, and kindness.
Jennifer and Ben exchanged vows in Las Vegas on July 16, 2022, following their engagement three months prior and two decades since the actor’s initial proposal.
The email was signed by ‘Jennifer Lynn Affleck’ and featured informal photos and a video showcasing the couple’s wedding preparations, such as Ben getting ready in the chapel’s restroom.
“This is where I transformed into a groom!” Ben exclaimed, clad in a pristine white suit, as he proudly showcased the makeshift changing area through the lens of his camera, reflecting against the worn-out mirror.
In a recent video shared in her newsletter, JLo was seen wearing a charming white dress. She seemed to be sporting two different white dresses in the same post.
The experience of getting married in Vegas was exactly what we had hoped for. Standing in line for a marriage license with other couples, we all shared the same desire to have our partnership recognized and declare our love to the world through the traditional act of marriage.
Arriving at the little white wedding chapel just before midnight, we were grateful that they stayed open a few extra minutes for us. We even got to take photos in a pink Cadillac convertible that was once used by the King himself (although opting for Elvis to officiate the ceremony would have been an additional cost).
With the most amazing witnesses by our side, wearing a dress inspired by an old movie and a jacket borrowed from Ben’s closet, we exchanged our vows in the intimate chapel and exchanged rings that will symbolize our commitment for the rest of our lives. The chapel even had Bluetooth for a (brief) walk down the aisle. Despite the unconventional setting, it was the perfect wedding we had always dreamed of, now a reality in the eyes of the law, Las Vegas, a pink convertible, and each other.
In a marriage founded on genuine love, the only things that truly matter are the promises we make to one another – to love, support, understand, be patient, kind, and good. We had all of that and more. It was truly the best night of our lives. A special thanks to the Little White Wedding Chapel for allowing me to use their break room for a quick change, as Ben changed in the men’s room.
Mr. and Mrs. Lopez revealed intimate moments from their wedding day and confirmed their union with the signature of ‘Mrs. Jennifer Lynn Affleck’.
JLo spun around gracefully, flaunting her elegant white gown.
Emme, Jennifer’s 14-year-old daughter, was overjoyed to be a part of the wedding festivities. Jennifer expressed gratitude for the abundance of love in their lives, a new blended family of five wonderful children, and a future brimming with possibilities. Reflecting on their spontaneous wedding in Las Vegas, she mused about the unexpected places where the best moments in life can be found. Love, she concluded, is truly worth the wait.
The video also featured Ben getting ready for the ceremony in the chapel’s pink bathroom. Decked out in a white suit, he excitedly showed off his makeshift changing area, capturing the moment with a scratched-up mirror.
The celebrity snapped a self-portrait in front of a worn mirror before getting ready for his big occasion.
Affleck proudly displayed the pink bathroom where he was preparing for the event.
Jennifer had a more luxurious setup compared to others. She wore a chic yet simple dress, her hair styled in waves as she got ready in an elegant bathroom.
“I feel amazing and excited,” Jennifer exclaimed, twirling around in her dress.
The bride was seen in two white dresses in her social media post – a sleeveless frock and a traditional lace dress that showed off some cleavage. She completed her look with a veil tucked into her flowing waves.
The couple, famously nicknamed ‘Bennifer,’ obtained a marriage license in Clark County, Nevada, and had a small wedding ceremony. Jennifer will be taking Affleck’s last name, as seen in records from the Clark County Recorder’s Office. The official marriage certificate is yet to be filed, as officiants have 10 days to do so according to the Clark County Clerk’s Office.
In August 2022, Ben and Jennifer celebrated their second wedding at Ben’s lavish $8.9 million Georgia mansion. The iconic couple, affectionately known as ‘Bennifer,’ stunned guests with Jennifer donning a gorgeous white Ralph Lauren couture dress with a long train and veil, while Ben looked dashing in a matching white and black tuxedo. Stunning photographs captured the A-list couple smiling and embracing each other at various picturesque locations, including a waterside jetty, outside the grand mansion, and by a snowy white altar specially set up for the occasion.
Ben and Jennifer had a beautiful second wedding ceremony at his stunning $8.9 million Georgia mansion in August 2022, surrounded by loved ones and A-list celebrities. This joyful occasion marked their reunion 20 years after originally getting engaged and then calling off their wedding in 2003 due to media attention.
Following their nuptials, images of the special day were shared by Jennifer on her JLo newsletter, where she described the feelings of bliss and certainty they both experienced. Affleck expressed during his speech that being with Jennifer felt like heaven, and she reflected on feeling calm and certain that they were meant to be together.
In December 2022, Lopez praised how well they had blended their families, including complimenting Ben’s ex-wife Jennifer Garner on her parenting skills. She emphasized the importance of handling the transition with care, especially considering the teenagers’ feelings. Jennifer expressed her hopes of creating a supportive environment where both sets of children feel loved and cared for.
By January 2023, Jennifer and Ben had taken the next step of moving their families in together, which she described as an emotional transition during an interview on the Today Show. This new chapter in their lives represented a commitment to their blended family and creating a supportive and loving environment for all involved.
Lopez and Affleck made a big decision to merge their families, with Lopez telling the Today Show it was an emotional transition. She gushed about how it felt like all her dreams were coming true and that it had been the best year of her life since becoming a mom.
The celebrity couple showed they were the perfect blended family when they attended Seraphina’s musical event in LA with Affleck’s ex-wife, Garner. Photos captured the families supporting the 15-year-old daughter at the event.
At the 2023 Grammys, Lopez and Affleck made a joint appearance, but all eyes were on Affleck’s unhappy facial expression. The actor’s bored and uninterested look became the talk of the night and turned into a meme circulating on social media.
The duo made a joint appearance at the 2023 Grammys, but all eyes were on Affleck as his visibly unhappy expression sparked gossip among attendees.
The actor became the talk of the town during the event when a camera caught him looking disinterested and bored. A seat filler at the ceremony mentioned that Affleck and Lopez found out he was trending halfway through. According to a source, both Jen and Ben noticed the memes circulating about him but he didn’t pay much attention to it. He seemed unfazed by the internet’s opinions about him.
In April 2023, after reuniting with Affleck, Lopez also returned to her music career and released a new album titled ‘This Is Me…Now’. Before its launch, Affleck publicly praised his wife’s new record on the SmartLess podcast. He admiringly commented on her talent as both an actress and a singer, revealing his love for her music and how he hums along to it in the car despite feeling a little embarrassed next to her professional singing.
Following the rekindling of her relationship with Affleck, Lopez also decided to focus on her music career and dropped a fresh album titled This Is Me…Now. In this album, Lopez paid tribute to Ben with songs like [Dear Ben] in 2002 and another track [Dear Ben Pt. II] in 2023’s release.
Regarding these songs, Affleck expressed admiration for Lopez’s musical talent, calling her the greatest performer in history. He hinted that while the songs may have been inspired by him, there are both positive and negative elements, showing his appreciation for her incredible talent.
In September 2023, rumors surfaced claiming that Lopez was envious of Affleck’s amicable co-parenting relationship with his ex-wife Garner, as the couple was spotted together. Despite reports of Lopez being angered by the situation, insiders close to the trio clarified that there is no animosity between them. They emphasized that Lopez fully supports Affleck and Garner’s successful co-parenting dynamic.
Surprisingly, the source shared that Affleck’s budding romance with Lopez actually played a role in strengthening his bond with Garner, leading to a more harmonious co-parenting situation.
The couple quashed rumors about Lopez being envious of his amicable co-parenting dynamic with Garner by showing closeness in public. They revealed that Lopez played a positive role in helping Affleck and Garner improve their relationship. According to sources, the past drama and divorce emotions are a thing of the past, and they are successfully co-parenting together. The insiders shared that Lopez and Garner have a friendly relationship, with all their kids getting along well. The source described the co-parenting situation as extremely cheerful, with everything going smoothly now and hopefully in the future.
In December 2023, Lopez and her husband displayed affection while attending ELLE’s Women in Hollywood event in LA. They were seen sharing a romantic kiss on the red carpet after exchanging whispers. Jennifer was honored at the event and graced the cover of the December issue of the magazine.
At ELLE’s Women in Hollywood celebration in Los Angeles, Lopez and her husband were seen showing affection towards each other. When asked on the red carpet, Lopez talked about working with Affleck on their project “This Is Me… Now: The Film,” noting how well they collaborate and how he knows her story better than anyone. They also attended the premiere of “This Is Me… Now: A Love Story” on February 13, where they shared a kiss in front of the cameras. In an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Lopez revealed for the first time the details of her breakup with Affleck following the delayed 2003 wedding, explaining how it cast doubt on their relationship and scared her despite knowing she wanted to be with him for life.
They made a public appearance together at the premiere of her latest film “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story” on February 13, where they were caught sharing a kiss on the red carpet.
Following this, they made their way to a special screening of a documentary project she had been working on called “The Greatest Love Story Never Told” in Los Angeles. During a Q&A session at the screening, she confessed how nerve-wracking it was for her to be so vulnerable in the project, especially since it involved her husband’s participation.
Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “It was scary for me to open up like that, especially with my husband being a part of it. He was a bit hesitant at first but eventually went along. At one point during the movie, I asked him if it felt weird, and his response was a simple ‘Yes.’ I jokingly called him crazy, but deep down, I know I’m the crazy one. That’s just who I am.”
In May 2024, it was revealed that Lopez had decided to cancel her upcoming tour, “This Is Me…Live,” in order to prioritize quality time with her children, family, and close friends. Expressing her heartfelt disappointment to her fans, she assured them that she would make it up to them and looked forward to reuniting in the near future. Her message ended with words of love and gratitude towards her loyal fan base.
The couple attended his daughter Violet’s graduation together on May 30, amidst growing rumors of trouble in their marriage. They had not been seen together publicly for 47 days, with their last public appearance holding hands in New York on March 20. Reports indicated that they were living separately in Los Angeles, with Affleck residing in a $100,000 per month rental. Affleck reportedly moved out of their shared marital home and is now permanently living in a rental in LA. Sources mentioned that he seems focused on work and spending time with his kids.
It was also reported that Lopez is no longer willing to try and salvage their marriage. An industry insider stated that she has reached her breaking point and feels that there is nothing more she can do to save the relationship. They spent the Fourth of July apart, with Lopez in the Hamptons and Affleck in Los Angeles. Affleck missed Lopez’s 55th birthday celebration, and was also absent from important events like the Met Gala and the premiere of Lopez’s new film, Atlas. He closed escrow on a new $20.5 million estate by the ocean, as reported by TMZ.
Affleck was absent for another important event when he decided not to attend Jennifer Lopez’s 55th birthday celebration.
She had a blast celebrating her upcoming birthday with a Bridgerton-inspired party in the Hamptons.
The house features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, breakfast and dining areas, a family room, den, walk-in closets, media room, powder room, guest house, and many other luxurious amenities commonly found in multi-million dollar homes.
The purchase of a new mansion by Affleck in the Pacific Palisades is a strong indication that his marriage to Lopez is heading towards divorce. Friends have revealed that the couple tried to reconcile in recent weeks but ultimately decided to move forward with the divorce. While the divorce papers are said to be finalized, they have not yet been submitted.
On Lopez’s 55th birthday, Affleck’s purchase of a new $20.5 million ‘bachelor pad’ was seen as a hurtful gesture by friends of Lopez, who viewed it as a betrayal.
After purchasing a $20.5 million ‘bachelor pad’ mansion in the Pacific Palisades on Wednesday, July 24th, Affleck’s latest acquisition came just as news broke that Lopez celebrated her 55th birthday on the same day.
