Bennifer Splits: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Divorce After Two Years

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have ended their marriage after just over two years, with Lopez filing for divorce on Tuesday, 20 August, in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The official separation date is listed as 26 April.

The pair, dubbed “Bennifer” by tabloid publications, reignited their romance in 2021 after a two-decade hiatus, revisiting a relationship that captivated the public in the early 2000s. They exchanged vows in a private Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022, followed by a grand celebration in Georgia in August of the same year.

Despite their second chance at love, the couple's journey was marked by public scrutiny and media attention. Lopez, 55, and Affleck, 52, had previously worked together on two films, the critically panned romantic comedy "Gigli" in 2003 and Kevin Smith's "Jersey Girl" in 2004. However, their relationship ended before the latter film's release, leading to a prolonged period of separate lives.

During this time, both Lopez and Affleck married and divorced - Lopez to Marc Anthony and Affleck to Jennifer Garner. But in 2020, the flames of their initial romance reignited, leading to a highly publicised engagement and subsequent wedding. Lopez frequently shared updates on their journey with her fans via social media and her newsletter, documenting their love story with a level of openness that invited public scrutiny.

The relationship also found its way into Lopez's latest album, "This Is Me… Now," a sequel to her 2002 album "This Is Me… Then," which explored her relationship with Affleck at the time. She further dedicated a 65-minute film titled "This Is Me… Now: A Love Story" to the album, featuring Affleck in a cameo role as a jaded news anchor.

Throughout their renewed relationship, the couple made numerous appearances together at red carpet events, supporting each other's projects and attending events like the Golden Globes earlier this year. However, Lopez's summer "This Is Me… Now" tour was cancelled in May, with a statement citing a need to spend time with her children, family, and close friends.

This latest turn in their story marks a surprising end to a relationship that has captivated the public for over two decades. As they navigate this new chapter in their lives, the public will undoubtedly remain curious about the future of both stars, particularly in the wake of this unexpected separation.