The Beginning of Bennifer: When Ben Affleck Met Jennifer Lopez
The story of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, famously known as “Bennifer,” began in 2002. The two stars met on the set of the film Gigli, and their connection was immediate and undeniable.
At the time, Lopez was married, but the chemistry between her and Affleck was palpable. It wasn’t long before they became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples, their every move documented by an eager press.
In November 2002, Affleck proposed with a stunning pink diamond ring from Harry Winston. The engagement solidified their status as a power couple, and the “Bennifer” phenomenon was born, marking one of the first times a celebrity couple was given a hybrid name by the media.
The First Breakup: Why Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez Split in 2004
The intense media scrutiny that followed their engagement soon became overwhelming. The constant presence of paparazzi and the relentless tabloid coverage placed immense pressure on their relationship.
Just days before their planned wedding in September 2003, the couple announced they were postponing the ceremony. They cited the excessive media attention as the reason, explaining that the joyful day had been compromised.
Sadly, the postponement was a sign of deeper issues, and the couple officially announced their breakup in January 2004. The dream of a Bennifer wedding was over, and both stars went their separate ways, leaving fans to wonder what went wrong.
Two Decades Apart: Life Between the Bennifer Eras
Following their split, both Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez moved on to build families with other partners. Lopez married singer Marc Anthony in 2004, and they welcomed twins, Max and Emme.
Affleck found love with actress Jennifer Garner, whom he married in 2005. Together, they had three children: daughters Violet and Seraphina, and son Samuel. Both marriages eventually ended, but they remained dedicated co-parents.
Throughout the years, Affleck and Lopez remained on friendly terms, often speaking highly of each other in public. In 2020, Affleck praised Lopez’s performance in Hustlers, stating she deserved an Oscar nomination, a clear sign of their enduring respect.
The Reunion: How Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez Found Love Again
Nearly two decades after their first romance, the world was stunned when Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were spotted together again in April 2021. The reunion sparked a media frenzy, with fans hoping for a second chance at love for the iconic couple.
This time, they embraced the public’s interest, confirming their rekindled romance and sharing their happiness with the world. In April 2022, Affleck proposed for a second time, and Lopez joyfully accepted.
The couple finally tied the knot in a private Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022, followed by a larger celebration with family and friends. It seemed that Bennifer had finally gotten their fairytale ending.
The End of the Fairytale: Ben Affleck Jennifer Lopez Divorce
However, the rekindled romance was not destined to last. After months of speculation about marital strife, the couple privately separated on April 26, 2024, a fact that would only become public later.
On August 20, 2024, Jennifer Lopez officially filed for divorce, bringing an end to their two-year marriage. The news confirmed the rumors that had been circulating for months, and the couple’s divorce was finalized in January 2025.
By February 21, 2025, both Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were legally single again. The second chapter of their love story had come to a close, just as unexpectedly as it had begun.
Moving Forward: Jennifer Lopez’s Reflections on the Relationship
In the wake of the divorce, Jennifer Lopez has been open about her journey of self-reflection and personal growth. In an interview, she described the feeling of her world exploding but emphasized the importance of learning from the experience.
Lopez shared that she is now focused on being complete on her own and is not actively looking for a new relationship. She expressed gratitude for the lessons learned during her time with Affleck, stating she has no regrets.
For her, the end of the marriage was a difficult but necessary lesson. It was a powerful reminder that true happiness comes from within, and she is embracing her independence with a newfound sense of peace.
Where Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez Stand Today
Despite their divorce, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have maintained a respectful and amicable relationship. They were seen together in October 2025 at the premiere of Lopez’s film, Kiss of the Spider Woman, where Affleck praised her performance.
Their public appearance was a sign of professional support, not a romantic reconciliation. Sources close to the couple confirm that there is nothing romantic going on between them and that they have both accepted that the relationship ran its course.
Today, their focus remains on their children and maintaining a healthy, blended family dynamic. They continue to be a part of each other’s lives, bound by a long history and a mutual respect that has survived two romances and a divorce.
