Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are officially divorcing after two years of marriage. The Hollywood power couple has filed for dissolution of their marriage, ending a relationship that has captured public attention for over two decades.
Figure 1: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck
Lopez Files for Divorce
On Tuesday, Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The filing coincided with their August 2022 wedding ceremony anniversary in Riceboro, Georgia. Their wedding in Georgia followed a more intimate elopement in Las Vegas a month prior.
Marriage Hits the Rocks
Speculation about the state of their relationship has been circulating for months. Reports indicated the couple had been living separately. Lopez even cancelled her summer tour to focus on her family. The couple also put their Beverly Hills mansion on the market, further fueling breakup rumours.
A Love Story Spanning Decades
Jennifer Lopez and Affleck’s love story began in 2002 when they met on the set of the comedy film “Gigli.” Their connection on screen developed into a genuine romantic relationship off screen. In November 2002, Affleck proposed to Lopez with a 6.1-carat pink diamond ring. The couple quickly became known as “Bennifer” and were one of the most talked-about couples in Hollywood.
First Engagement and Breakup
Bennifer’s first engagement ended abruptly in January 2004, just days before they were set to wed. The couple cited excessive media attention as the reason for postponing their wedding. After taking a break, they officially called off their engagement in 2004.
Bennifer 2.0: A Reunion
Jennifer Lopez and Affleck rekindled their romance nearly two decades later, in 2021. The couple made their relationship public on Instagram in July 2021, shortly after Lopez called off her engagement to baseball legend Alex Rodriguez. Their reunion generated excitement from fans and the media. In April 2022, Affleck proposed to Lopez for a second time, and the couple tied the knot in Las Vegas in July 2022.
Living Apart and Cancelled Tour
In recent months, the couple has faced challenges in their relationship. They reportedly lived apart, with Lopez cancelling her summer tour to prioritize her family. Additionally, Lopez celebrated her birthday at the end of July with a Bridgerton-themed party, but Affleck was notably absent.
Divorce Proceedings Begin
Lopez’s divorce filing in the Los Angeles County Superior Court marks the official end of their marriage. According to court documents, Lopez did not include any details of the prenuptial agreement in her petition. Lopez and Affleck must share financial information, including their income, expenses, properties, and debts.
The court has given Lopez 60 days to file her financial disclosure. Affleck will then have another 60 days to submit his financial information. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in court-imposed sanctions.
A Complicated Love Story
Over the years, Lopez and Affleck’s relationship has been anything but simple. Their love story has played out in the public eye, with every twist and turn making headlines. In 2024, Lopez released a documentary titled “The Greatest Love Story Never Told.” The film detailed her decades-long quest for self-love and her relationship with Affleck. In the documentary, Affleck spoke about the need to compromise in their relationship, particularly regarding Lopez’s desire to be more public about their private life.
Final Thoughts
The end of Lopez and Affleck’s marriage marks the conclusion of a Hollywood love story that has captivated audiences for decades. As they navigate their divorce, both stars will likely continue to attract media attention, but their shared history will forever be a part of their legacy.
Their divorce reminds us that even the most glamorous relationships face challenges behind closed doors. For Lopez and Affleck, the decision to part ways may bring closure to a relationship that has experienced many highs and lows. As they move forward, both stars will continue to concentrate on their own careers and families while fans remember the love story that once was.
