Jennifer Lopez has officially filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, according to US media reports on Tuesday. The Hollywood power couple, who rekindled their romance and tied the knot two years ago, appear to be parting ways once again.
Nicknamed “Bennifer” during their first high-profile relationship in the early 2000s, Lopez and Affleck had reunited nearly two decades later, much to the delight of fans. However, on Tuesday, Lopez filed divorce papers in a Los Angeles court, as reported by Hollywood trade outlet Variety and celebrity gossip website TMZ.
A representative for Lopez declined to comment on the situation, and Affleck’s publicist did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This marks the fourth marriage for the 55-year-old pop singer and actress and the second for the 52-year-old Oscar-winning actor and director.
Lopez and Affleck first crossed paths in 2002 on the set of the critically panned film “Gigli.” Their romance quickly captured the media’s attention, leading to a high-profile engagement. However, they postponed their planned 2003 wedding and eventually announced their breakup in early 2004.
The “Bennifer” phenomenon reignited in 2021 when photos of the two together began circulating online. “It’s a beautiful love story that we got a second chance,” Lopez said in an interview at the time.
In April 2022, the couple announced their engagement once again, and they were married in a Las Vegas ceremony in July of that year. The following month, they celebrated with a lavish three-day event at Affleck’s sprawling 87-acre estate in Georgia, attended by Hollywood A-listers like Matt Damon and Kevin Smith.
Last year, the couple reportedly purchased a $60 million home together in Los Angeles. However, rumors of marital issues began surfacing earlier this year, with fans noting that Lopez celebrated her 55th birthday without Affleck. TMZ also reported that the couple had sold their shared home, with Affleck moving into a luxury bachelor pad.
People magazine cited sources close to the couple, suggesting that their different approaches to fame may have contributed to the strain in their relationship. “She likes to open her heart to her fans and to the world,” an unnamed source said. “He is more introspective and private. This has been difficult day-to-day.”
Divorce papers filed by Lopez list April 26, 2024, as the couple’s date of separation, according to TMZ. The outlet also reported that the pair are no longer on speaking terms.
Lopez was previously married to actor Ojani Noa, dancer Cris Judd, and singer Marc Anthony, with whom she shares twins Max and Emme. Affleck was previously married to actress Jennifer Garner, and they share three children: Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel.
Key Notes:
Jennifer Lopez Files for Divorce: Lopez officially filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, ending their marriage after two years.
“Bennifer” History: The couple, known as “Bennifer,” first dated in the early 2000s, split in 2004, and reunited nearly two decades later.
Rekindled Romance: Lopez and Affleck rekindled their relationship in 2021, got engaged in April 2022, and married in July 2022.
Lavish Wedding: After a Las Vegas ceremony, they hosted a three-day celebration at Affleck’s Georgia estate.
Signs of Trouble: Rumors of marital issues surfaced earlier this year, with signs including Lopez’s solo birthday celebration and the sale of their joint home.
Different Approaches to Fame: Sources suggest their different attitudes towards public life may have strained the relationship—Lopez being open and Affleck more private.
Date of Separation: Divorce papers list April 26, 2024, as the date of separation, with reports indicating the couple is no longer on speaking terms.
Previous Marriages: This was Lopez’s fourth marriage and Affleck’s second. Both have children from previous marriages.
