Jennifer Lopez is taking control. Hours after the singer, 55, filed for divorce from Ben Affleck on Tuesday, Aug. 20, a source tells PEOPLE exclusively that Lopez “was done waiting.” “She tried really hard to make things work and is heartbroken,” adds the source. “The kids are a top priority, as they always have been.”
Multiple sources previously confirmed that Lopez, who's mom to 16-year-old twins Emme and Max, filed at the Los Angeles County Superior Court and listed their date of separation as April 26, 2024. Lopez and Affleck — who is dad to Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12 (with ex-wife Jennifer Garner) — have spent much of their summer apart.
The divorce news comes two years after the pair tied the knot at an intimate ceremony in Las Vegas on July 17, 2022. Aug. 20 marked the second anniversary of their second ceremony, held in front of family and friends in Georgia.
Another insider close to Lopez tells PEOPLE that the star is ready to “move on” from Affleck, 52. “She’s very disappointed and sad, but Ben hasn’t given her any signs that he wants to continue their marriage,” says the insider.
Lopez and Affleck most recently reunited on his 52nd birthday, which an insider told PEOPLE he spent having a small “celebration at home” with his kids. “It’s exactly what he wanted. He didn’t want to go out to celebrate. The kids had gifts for him, and it was cute. Jennifer [Lopez] stopped by to congratulate him,” the insider told PEOPLE, adding that Garner also stopped by his rental home in Los Angeles earlier in the day.
The Rise and Fall of Bennifer 2.0
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's relationship has captivated the public for over two decades. Their love story began on the set of Gigli in 2002 and quickly became a media frenzy. They were engaged in November 2002 but called off the wedding in September 2003. The split made headlines worldwide and became a major pop culture moment. Fast forward to 2021, the two rekindled their romance and became engaged in April 2022. Their wedding in July 2022 was a highly publicized event, and the couple seemed to be very much in love.
However, despite their second chance at happiness, rumors of trouble in paradise began to swirl in early 2023. The pair were seen attending the Grammys together in February 2023, and Affleck’s less than enthused demeanor sparked speculation about their relationship. In June 2024, People magazine reported that Lopez was living in the couple's $60 million Beverly Hills abode while Affleck stayed in a rental nearby.
The Split and the Future
Lopez's divorce filing marks the end of Bennifer 2.0, a love story that captivated the world for over two decades. It is unclear what the future holds for the couple, but it is likely that both will continue to be successful in their respective careers. It remains to be seen if the duo will remain friends or if their split will be amicable.
The Aftermath: What's Next for J.Lo and Ben?
The divorce of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with fans and media alike buzzing about the implications for the couple’s future. The details of their split, including the lack of a prenuptial agreement, have added fuel to the fire, sparking speculation about the financial ramifications and the future of their assets.
However, beyond the immediate details of the divorce, the story of Bennifer 2.0 offers a glimpse into the complexities of celebrity relationships and the pressures of navigating fame and fortune. With both Lopez and Affleck having experienced highly publicized relationships in the past, this latest chapter adds another layer to their personal narratives and will undoubtedly be analyzed and debated for years to come. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how Lopez and Affleck will move forward, both professionally and personally. What is clear, though, is that their story, like their first romance, has left an indelible mark on pop culture, and their split will continue to be a topic of conversation for fans and media alike.
