Jennifer Lopez's reaction to a query regarding Ben Affleck showcases their long-standing romance in the public eye.
An unidentified journalist inquired about rumors that the couple's relationship is strained in a recent news conference in Mexico held to promote Lopez's new film "Atlas."
Lopez dismissed the notion and diverted the conversation to a different topic.
Although neither Lopez nor Affleck has publicly commented on the rumors, speculation persists. The pair have been noticeably absent from each other's recent events, such as the "Atlas" premiere and the Met Gala, where Lopez even held a co-hosting role.
Representatives for Lopez and Affleck have been contacted by CNN for comment.
A recap of their 20-year-long relationship:
December 2001
Lopez met Affleck on the set of the romantic comedy "Gigli," in which they co-starred as criminals on a job. They became friends during the shooting.
April 2002
Speculations about their romance started when Affleck published a full-page ad in trade publications to support their movie and show appreciation for her acting. The ad read, "It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with you. I only wish I were lucky enough to be in all your movies." Signed: "With love, respect, and gratitude, Ben Affleck."
July 2002
Around this time, Lopez filed for divorce from her husband Chris Judd. They had been separated beforehand.
August 2002
Cameras caught Affleck and Lopez being affectionate with each other.
November 2002
After dating for months, Affleck proposed with a custom 6.1-carat pink diamond ring from Harry Winston. They also starred as lovers in Lopez's "Jenny From the Block" music video.
March 2003
The couple attended the prestigious Academy Awards looking stunning.
July 2003
Lopez and Affleck appeared at the premiere of their movie "Gigli," which did not do well financially.
September 2003
The couple canceled their wedding less than a week before the scheduled date. They issued a statement explaining that the media frenzy around their relationship would spoil the event: "We have decided to postpone the date. When we found ourselves seriously contemplating hiring three separate 'decoy brides' at three different locations, we realized that something was awry. We felt that the spirit of what should have been the happiest day of our lives could be compromised. We felt what should have been a joyful and sacred day could be spoiled for us, our families and our friends."
They were allegedly "taking a break" according to sources at the time.
January 2004
The couple officially ended their engagement.
March 2004
Lopez and Affleck starred in another movie together called "Jersey Girl." However, it did not make a positive impact on the audience.
June 2004
Only a few months after calling off their engagement, Lopez married musician Marc Anthony. They have twins, a boy and a girl.
In her 2014 book, "True Love," Lopez reportedly claimed their breakup was her first "real heartbreak" and that Marc Anthony entered her life shortly after she was supposed to marry Affleck.
June 2005
Affleck wed actress Jennifer Garner in a private ceremony. They had three children together.
July 2011
Another surprising news arrived when Lopez and Anthony split. He filed for divorce in April 2012.
July 2015
There was even more astonishment when the media learned that Garner and Affleck were divorcing. Their official divorce filing happened two years later.
The source close to the couple revealed that they planned to divorce and simply needed time. "They had always planned to divorce but just needed time. As always, their children are their top priority."
August 2018
Affleck sought treatment for alcoholism for the third time, having previously gotten help in 2001 and 2017.
In a March 2017 Facebook post, he said, "I have completed treatment for alcohol addiction; something I’ve dealt with in the past and will continue to confront. I want to live life to the fullest and be the best father I can be. I want my kids to know there is no shame in getting help when you need it, and to be a source of strength for anyone out there who needs help but is afraid to take the first step."
March 2019
Affleck's return to rehab sparked a wave of reactions from the media.
In the past, they have had several ups and downs in their love story. However, as of now, their current relationship status remains unknown.
In February 2020, Lopez and former baseball player Rodriguez confirmed their engagement, two years after they began dating and 20 years after she signed a poster for the biggest fan of Lopez.
Affleck expressed his admiration for Lopez during promotion of his film "The Way Back." He said that despite any criticism she had faced in the past, she was a fascinating person.
"I don't think she got the respect she deserved," he said. "She was a powerful woman and also the first Latina to break barriers, so they just wanted to hate. Now, seeing her succeed is amazing."
There was speculation that Lopez and Rodriguez had split up in March 2021, but they issued a statement saying they were, in fact, still together.
In April 2021, the couple announced their engagement had been called off. They released a statement, "We have realized we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so. We will continue to work together and support each other on our shared businesses and projects."
Shortly after, there were reports of Affleck visiting Lopez's LA home, reigniting rumors of a potential reunion.
Their romance gained steam in July 2021 as they made their relationship Instagram official, prompting fans to rejoice.
Red carpet appearances followed at the premiere of Affleck's film "The Last Duel" in September 2021 in Italy.
Affleck revealed his appreciation for second chances in an interview with The Wall Street Journal in December 2021, calling Lopez's reconciliation with him "beautiful."
"My life now is more than reflecting the person I want to be but also the person I feel like I am - not perfect, but someone honest and accountable," he said.
Lopez was just as thrilled about their rekindled relationship, stating to People magazine in February 2022, "I feel so lucky and happy and proud to be with him...It's a beautiful love story that we have a second chance."
Affleck and Lopez became engaged for the second time in April 2022, with Affleck surprising her with a romantic proposal in the tub.
In July 2022, they eloped in Las Vegas with their children as witnesses.
A month later, they held a grand wedding on Affleck's estate in Georgia. The lavish event included famous friends like Matt Damon and director Kevin Smith, and family members.
In February 2024, Lopez released an album, a film titled "This is Me...Now: A Love Story," and a documentary about it, "The Greatest Love Story Never Told." In the doc, Affleck discussed some of their previous challenges as a couple.
"I had a very strict boundary around the press back then while Jen didn't," Affleck admitted. "I eventually realized it's not fair to ask for that."
"We are two people with different approaches, trying to compromise," he added.
In May 2024, reports arose of tension between the couple after they had not been photographed together in 47 days. However, the exact nature of their relationship is unknown.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
