Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples, have decided to part ways after two years of marriage. According to court documents filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday, Lopez has initiated the divorce proceedings. This marks the end of what was once a highly publicized rekindling of their early 2000s romance.
Affectionately dubbed “Bennifer” by the media, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck first met on the set of the 2003 film Gigli, where their off-screen romance quickly captured public attention. The couple initially planned to marry in 2003 but called off their engagement in early 2004, leading to nearly two decades apart. However, in 2021, the pair surprised fans worldwide by rekindling their relationship, and by July 2022, they had officially tied the knot in a private ceremony in Las Vegas. A month later, they celebrated their union with a larger wedding in Georgia.
In a statement following their Las Vegas nuptials, Jennifer Lopez reflected on the enduring nature of their relationship, saying, “Love is beautiful. Love is kind. And it turns out love is patient. Twenty years patient.”
Rumors of trouble in paradise had been circulating for months, with reports suggesting that the couple had put their Beverly Hills mansion on the market for $65 million and were frequently seen without their wedding rings. The separation date was officially listed as April 26 in court documents. The divorce filing signals the beginning of what may be a complex legal process. Lopez, who had legally adopted Affleck’s surname, has not disclosed the details of any prenuptial agreement in her petition. According to the court filing, both Lopez, 55, and Affleck, 52, are required to share detailed financial information, including their current income, expenses, properties, and debts. This transparency is mandated until a final agreement on all financial matters is reached.
Jennifer Lopez has 60 days to submit her financial disclosure, after which Affleck will have another 60 days to do the same. Failure by either party to report or update their financial information could result in court-imposed sanctions.
This divorce marks Lopez’s fourth marriage. Her previous marriages were to Cuban waiter Ojani Noa, former backup dancer Cris Judd, and singer Marc Anthony, with whom she shares twins. Lopez was also previously engaged to former New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez.
Affleck, a two-time Oscar winner, was previously married to actress Jennifer Garner, whom he met on the set of Pearl Harbor. They were married for a decade and share three children. Their divorce was finalized in 2015.
As Lopez and Affleck embark on this new chapter in their lives, the public will undoubtedly continue to follow their journey closely. Despite the end of their marriage, both stars remain influential figures in the entertainment industry, with legacies that extend far beyond their personal lives.
The representatives for both Lopez and Affleck have yet to comment on the divorce.
