Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, once Hollywood's most iconic couple, are reportedly preparing for a fresh start apart. According to unnamed sources cited by Page Six, the couple may confirm their split before the end of summer. This separation marks the culmination of what some insiders describe as an "expensive exercise in closure."
Lopez and Affleck's relationship, which began nearly two decades ago, first captivated the public in the early 2000s. After calling off their initial engagement, the pair reunited in 2021, rekindling their romance and curiosity about what might have been. The following year, they tied the knot in a Las Vegas ceremony, followed by an extravagant three-day celebration at Affleck's $8 million Georgia estate, where Lopez wore three custom gowns by Ralph Lauren. They also purchased a $60 million home in California, which is now up for sale.
A close friend of the couple suggested that their decision to marry was driven by nostalgia and a desire to fulfill a long-held dream. "They got caught up in the moment," the friend said. "Jennifer had wanted this wedding—the gowns, the friends, all the trappings and trimmings—for decades." The insider added that their reconciliation was an attempt to resolve "unfinished business" from 20 years ago.
However, as they approached their second wedding anniversary, Lopez and Affleck allegedly realized they were not suited for the long haul. "They've turned the page on all the unfinished business of 20-plus years ago. They've seen things through to the end—and they know for sure now that they are not built for the long haul," the source claimed. The insider described their marriage as "the most elaborate and expensive exercise in closure ever."
Lopez, known for her hit "Jenny From the Block," and Affleck, the star of "Argo," were once swept up in the romance of their rekindled relationship. Yet, another source suggested that Lopez is now dealing with feelings of anger and humiliation following their alleged split. This source also revealed that Affleck is postponing divorce proceedings to protect Lopez, who has a net worth of $400 million, from further public embarrassment.
Navigating their divorce discreetly will be a significant challenge, according to family law attorney Evan D. Schein. "Celebrity splits that take place in the public spotlight are very hard for couples to navigate in secrecy," Schein told The Mirror. He noted several signs of their impending separation, including the listing of their California mansion, reports of the couple spending their wedding anniversary apart, and the lack of recent photographs together.
Schein suggested that both Lopez and Affleck might feel a sense of relief once their divorce is finalized. "Given the enormous and unsurprising publicity of their relationship, it would not be shocking if Jen and Ben feel a sense of relief with the finalization of their divorce and now, they can move forward," he said.
The high-profile nature of their relationship has always attracted intense media scrutiny. From their initial romance to their dramatic breakup and eventual reconciliation, Lopez and Affleck's love story has played out in the public eye. Their attempt at rekindling their romance, while ultimately unsuccessful, highlights the complexities of navigating relationships under the constant gaze of the media and public.
As Lopez and Affleck move toward finalizing their divorce, they face the daunting task of untangling their lives once again. Despite their efforts to find closure, their split underscores the challenges of reconciling past relationships, especially in the glare of the spotlight. For fans and observers, this chapter in the saga of "Bennifer" serves as a reminder of the pressures and pitfalls that come with celebrity love stories.