Jennifer Lopez initiates separation proceedings against Ben Affleck in divorce petition
Lopez filed for separation in their two-year marriage in Los Angeles on Tuesday, aligning with their Riceboro, Georgia wedding ceremony anniversary from 2022, following their elopement in Sin City, Las Vegas a month prior.
The split occurs following allegations of living apart, Lopez canceled her summer concert series to prioritize family time, and they sold their Beverly Hills residence.
CNN contacted reps for Lopez and Affleck for comment.
The divorce serves as another chapter in the celebrity love saga, which has unfolded under public scrutiny for years.
Lopez and Affleck's bond traces back to their encounter on the set of the film "Gigli" in 2002, where they portrayed criminals. Their real-life camaraderie evolved into romance, but they both got hitched to others and started families.
Yet, the "Bennifer" group celebrated Bennifer 2.0 following their 2021 reunion.
Even the duo seemed elated.
"You know, one of the things I genuinely cherish in every aspect of my life now is that it occurred in a manner that mirrored that," Affleck revealed to The Wall Street Journal in December 2021. "My existence now portrays not only the individual I aspire to be, but the person I truly believe I am – far from perfect, but someone who strives diligently and cares deeply about being honest, authentic, and accountable. It's challenging to ascertain who gains more, without indulging in gossipy details."
The pair was set to wed in November 2002, with Affleck popping the question using a custom 6.1-carat pink diamond ring from Harry Winston, who also starred as Lopez's love interest in her 2002 single "Jenny from the Block" video, the storyline revolving around their media-driven relationship.
However, they postponed their wedding ceremony in September 2003, attributing it to "media attention" surrounding their nuptials.
Just before reuniting in July 2021, Lopez ended her relationship with baseball star Alex Rodriguez.
"I feel incredibly fortunate and radiant, and proud to be with him," Lopez shared with People magazine about rekindling her relationship with Affleck, weeks before his second proposal in April 2022. "It's a captivating love story that we got a second chance."
In 2024, Lopez debuted "The Greatest Love Story Never Told," a documentary that chronicled her self-produced album "This Is Me... Now" and her lifelong journey toward self-love.
In the movie, Affleck credits learning to compromise with Lopez over her desire to expose their private lives to the public.
This story is still unfolding and will be updated.
Despite the divorce, Lopez and Affleck remained involved in various entertainment projects together, such as their collaboration on the movie "Shotgun Wedding."
During their time apart, Lopez continued her career in music and acting, releasing new albums and appearing in films, providing her fans with ongoing entertainment.
