Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, the iconic Hollywood couple known as “Bennifer,” have decided to part ways once again, just over two years after their much-anticipated marriage. The news of their divorce, first reported by TMZ and later confirmed by multiple sources, has sent shockwaves through their fanbase and the entertainment world.
Lopez, 55, officially filed for divorce from Affleck, 52, on August 20, 2024, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, marking the end of a relationship that has captivated the public for over two decades. According to reports from Variety, Lopez listed April 26, 2024, as the date of separation in the court documents. Notably, the singer and actress has chosen to represent herself in the legal proceedings, a decision that underscores the deeply personal nature of the split.
The couple’s marriage began with a surprise wedding in Las Vegas on July 16, 2022, a low-key event that was soon followed by a grander ceremony in Georgia on August 20, 2022. This larger celebration marked the second anniversary of their traditional wedding, bringing together friends, family, and several high-profile celebrities, including Matt Damon, Kevin Smith, and Jason Mewes. The ceremony was officiated by podcaster and life coach Jay Shetty, further adding to the couple’s star-studded narrative.
However, despite the fairy tale beginnings, the couple’s relationship was not without its challenges. Sources close to the couple revealed to People magazine that there was no prenuptial agreement between Lopez and Affleck, a detail that has sparked much speculation about the financial implications of their split. “She tried really hard to make things work and is heartbroken. The kids are a top priority, as they always have been,” an insider told People, highlighting the emotional toll the separation has taken on Lopez.
Lopez and Affleck’s romance has been one of Hollywood’s most storied love affairs. The couple first got engaged in 2002, becoming one of the most talked-about couples of the early 2000s. However, they called off their engagement in January 2004, citing intense media scrutiny and pressure. Despite their split, they remained on good terms over the years, maintaining a friendly relationship.
Their love story took a surprising turn in 2021 when they rekindled their romance nearly 17 years after their initial breakup. The couple went public with their renewed relationship in April 2021, shortly after Lopez ended her engagement with former MLB star Alex Rodriguez. Bennifer’s comeback was met with widespread excitement, and they quickly became the talk of the town once again. By July 2021, they made their relationship official on social media, and their red carpet appearance at the Venice Film Festival later that year solidified their status as Hollywood royalty.
In April 2022, Lopez and Affleck announced their engagement for the second time, culminating in their Las Vegas wedding a few months later. Their relationship seemed to be stronger than ever, with the couple frequently seen together at public events and working on joint projects. One of their final collaborations was Lopez’s Prime Video musical documentary, This Is Me… Now: A Love Story, which accompanied her album release in February 2024.
However, rumors of marital strife began to surface in May 2024, as the couple started spending significant time apart. Lopez was busy promoting her movie and preparing for an upcoming tour, while Affleck remained in Los Angeles to film The Accountant 2. Their relationship appeared strained, with reports suggesting that they spent much of the summer on opposite coasts—Lopez in the Hamptons and Affleck in Los Angeles.
In June 2024, the couple listed their Beverly Hills mansion for sale, further fueling speculation about their impending split. By July, Affleck had purchased a new USD 20 million home, a move that many saw as a sign of the couple’s growing distance. According to sources, Lopez and Affleck were no longer living together, and Lopez had reportedly not seen Affleck for several weeks leading up to the divorce filing.
The end of Lopez and Affleck’s marriage marks the conclusion of a long and complex chapter in both of their lives. While their love story has captivated the public for decades, it is clear that even Hollywood’s most iconic couples face challenges that can ultimately lead to separation. As they move forward, both Lopez and Affleck will undoubtedly focus on their careers and their children, who remain their top priority during this difficult time.
