- Jennifer Lopez initiates divorce proceedings.
It appears the "Bennifer" love saga is once again tainted with heartache. Despite their second try at matrimony, U.S. artist Jennifer Lopez (55) and actor Ben Affleck (52) couldn't maintain a lasting union. Reports suggest that Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck after two years of marriage, as per multiple sources. She submitted the petition at a Los Angeles court on Tuesday (local time), listing April 26 as the date of separation, as confirmed by "Variety" and "TMZ.com".
Lopez chose to mark an important milestone in their relationship as the turning point. Exactly two years prior, on August 20, 2022, they held a lavish wedding ceremony at Affleck's estate in Georgia. Lopez shared glimpses of her special day on social media, showcasing a grand wedding with a white veil, designer dresses, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Prior to this, in July, they formally tied the knot in a humble chapel located in the gambling capital, Las Vegas, Nevada. Lopez shared anecdotes and photos of their impromptu wedding on social media, declaring herself Jennifer Lynn Affleck.
Their romance sparked in the 90s, but it fizzled out soon after. Their "Bennifer" relationship only lasted 18 months before their engagement ended in January 2004. Coincidentally, they starred in not one, but two movies together – "Gigli" and "Jersey Girl" – which met a disappointing box office reception. They were perpetually under media scrutiny and tabloid criticism.
Before her involvement with Affleck, Lopez was married twice – to waiter Ojani Noa from 1997 to 1998 and to dancer Cris Judd from 2001 to 2003. The dissolution of the "Bennifer" relationship led her to marry singer Marc Anthony in 2004, a union that lasted a decade. Together, they share twins, Emme and Max. Meanwhile, Affleck was married to actress Jennifer Garner from 2005 to 2018, with whom he has three children.
Lopez announced her second engagement to Affleck in April 2022, describing the proposal as "not extravagant at all, but the most heartwarming thing I could ever imagine" in her newsletter "On the JLo." Her response was an emphatic "yes".
Post their secret Las Vegas wedding, things seemed to be smooth sailing. Lopez released her ninth studio album "This Is Me... Now" in February 2023, an album filled with 13 songs largely devoted to her affection for Affleck. She also unveiled a film titled "This Is Me... Now: A Love Story," a portrayal of her life and career.
Subsequently, however, negative headlines have started piling up. In late May, Lopez postponed her planned US summer tour, asserting the need for "some time off to spend with her children, family, and close friends" as per her newsletter. Lopez embarked on a solo promotional tour for her film "Atlas" and celebrated her 55th birthday in the Hamptons without Affleck. Concurrently, Affleck has been busy filming in California, and their Beverly Hills mansion is on the market for sale, with reports suggesting that Affleck has acquired his own residence, according to "People" magazine in July.
The impending separation now raises additional queries. Were they bound by a prenuptial agreement? How will they disperse their multimillion-dollar fortune? Fortunately, there's no speculation about a potential custody battle as they didn't have any children together.
Lopez and Affleck's separation marks the end of their second marriage, bringing an unexpected turn in their love story. Despite signing a prenuptial agreement, the division of their significant assets becomes a topic of interest.
