Bennifer's Trouble: Deeper Issues Than Fame
Rumors of marital trouble between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are swirling, but sources close to the couple insist it's not just about her superstar status.
"The idea that Ben thinks Jennifer is too famous and didn't know what he was getting into with the attention on their marriage isn't true," a source told PEOPLE. "There are deeper issues."
The couple, who celebrated their second wedding anniversary earlier this week, have been spending time apart. Lopez was spotted in the Hamptons, enjoying outings with Affleck's 18-year-old daughter Violet and friends, while Affleck remained on the opposite coast in Los Angeles.
In recent months, they've maintained separate residences, only appearing together for family milestones, such as Violet's graduation. While they weren't seen together on Mother's Day in May, Lopez did share a short Instagram tribute to Affleck on Father's Day.
Neither Affleck, 51, nor Lopez, 54, have publicly commented on the rumors of marital strife.
Insiders have offered insights into the state of their relationship. In mid-May, a source connected to Lopez revealed that their relationship was "not in the best place at the moment." Around the same time, a music industry source explained that the stars have contrasting approaches to navigating the spotlight.
Lopez embraces sharing her life with fans, while Affleck prefers a more private approach. This difference, according to the source, has "caused tension in the relationship" over time.
"He is more introspective and private. She likes to open her heart to her fans and to the world. This makes them considerably different, and it has been difficult in the day-to-day relationship," the source explained. However, they added that "there have always been clashes in their styles, how they handle issues, and their actions, but nothing has stopped their love over the years."
Affleck participated in Lopez's documentary "The Greatest Love Story Never Told," which premiered earlier this year. In the film, the Oscar winner admitted, "Getting back together, I said, 'Listen, one of the things I don't want is a relationship on social media.'" He went on to acknowledge the inherent contradiction in this request, saying it's "sort of like youâre gonna marry a boat captain and you go, 'Well, I donât like the water.'"
Affleck described himself and Lopez as "two people with different kinds of approaches trying to learn to compromise."
Lopez admitted in the documentary that she didn't believe Affleck was "very comfortable with me doing all of this," referring to her use of their private life in her creative work.
"He loves me, he knows Iâm an artist, and heâs gonna support me in every way he can because he knows you canât stop me from making the music I made," she said in the film. "But that doesnât mean heâs comfortable being the muse."
While the rumors of marital trouble persist, only time will tell if Bennifer can navigate these differences and find lasting happiness together.
