Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Relationship Timeline: From Fiery Beginnings in 2002 to Final Devastating Split in 2024 – Uncover 7 Dramatic Stages of the ‘Bennifer’ Romance
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were a phenomenon, captivating everyone with their on-again, off-again romance. From their intense connection in 2002 to their heart-wrenching split in 2024, their relationship has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Here are the seven pivotal stages of Bennifer's love story.
Not all love stories have happy endings; some end in deep sorrow. Just like Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's relationship, which seemed destined for a fairytale finish, their romance has now reached a heart-wrenching conclusion. On August 20, 2024, Lopez filed for divorce, marking the end of a decade-long, tumultuous journey. Despite their undeniable chemistry, communication and understanding proved elusive. Their split, widely covered on social media, underscores the harsh reality that even the most passionate connections can unravel. It’s not just about the end of their story, but the poignant reminder that even the most cherished romances can fall apart, leaving fans with a bittersweet sense of what might have been. The reason can be many for their split but it's sad to see Bennifer (Ben+Jennifer) break up. Jennifer Lopez Files for Divorce From Ben Affleck, Legal Docs Reveal No Prenup – Reports.
Let’s delve into the timeline of their relationship—one that everyone hoped would endure but ultimately didn’t.
2002: A Star-Crossed Beginning
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck first crossed paths in 2002 on the set of their film Gigli, which was released the following year. At that time, JLo was married to her second husband, Cris Judd, but they divorced in 2003. Shortly after, she and Affleck went public with their romance. Back in 2016, JLo said in an interview with PEOPLE, "I really felt like when I met Ben, 'Okay, this is it.'" In no time, the lovers quickly became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples and were among the first to be dubbed with a hybrid couple name: "Bennifer."
2003: Wedding Bells and Last-Minute Drama
Plans for Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's lavish wedding were set for January 2003. However, in September, they announced a postponement, sending fans and tabloids into a frenzy of speculation. Just days before their scheduled wedding in Santa Barbara on September 14, the couple revealed they were delaying the event, citing the overwhelming media attention as the reason for their decision.
2004: The Unexpected Split
Just as it seemed their fairy tale might end happily ever after, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck announced their separation in January 2004. Their split, just months before their rescheduled wedding, came as a shock, leaving many to mourn the loss of a love that seemed so destined to succeed.
2015-2020: Friends And Nothing Else
Even after their split, Jennifer and Ben remained supportive of each other. They didn't have any rumours and the media were calm about it. In 2020, Affleck praised Lopez’s performance in Hustlers, asserting that she deserved an Oscar nomination.
2021: The Reunion
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck (Photo Credits: X)Let's fast forward to April 2021, and the world watched in awe as Lopez and Affleck were spotted together again. Rumours of rekindled romance were confirmed in May, as they made their relationship official, rekindling the magic that had once captivated them.
2022: Love Is In The Air
In July 2022, Lopez and Affleck took the plunge once more, exchanging vows in a discreet Las Vegas ceremony. Their love was further celebrated in August with an opulent Georgia celebration, surrounded by close friends and family, proving that true love can indeed get a second chance. They kept the red carpet circuit going into the new year, as they appeared at the Marry Me premiere in Los Angeles on Feb. 8, 2022. Just days later, the couple was spotted enjoying time together in Montana.
2022: Married Couple
On July 17, Jennifer Lopez revealed in her On The JLo newsletter that she and Ben Affleck had secretly married in Las Vegas the night before, calling it the "best night ever" and noting their children were "the best witnesses." A month later, they celebrated with a grand ceremony in Georgia and then enjoyed a romantic Italian getaway.
August 20, 2024: The Heartbreaking Split
On May 17, Lopez and Affleck were spotted apart for the first time in 47 days. Amid growing marriage strain, Affleck began moving his belongings out of their shared home. On the second anniversary of their Georgia wedding, the singer filed for divorce, handling the paperwork herself without a lawyer, marking a poignant end to their relationship.
This divorce is proving to be one of the most dramatic and emotional. On August 20, Jennifer Lopez filed the legal papers with the LA County Superior Court on her own, choosing a “pro per” approach without a lawyer. The documents also state that their separation date is April 26, 2024. It’s a clear reminder that not all stories have a happy ending.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 21, 2024 06:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).