In a surprising turn of events, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are reportedly ending their marriage, according to multiple media outlets. The news has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, coming exactly two years after their grand wedding celebration in Georgia.
Lopez, known for her chart-topping hits and acting career, allegedly filed for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court on August 20, 2024. This development marks a sudden conclusion to the couple's rekindled romance, which began in 2021 after nearly two decades apart.
The pair, dubbed "Bennifer" by the media, initially exchanged vows in Las Vegas in July 2022, followed by a more elaborate ceremony in Georgia a month later. Their relationship has been a subject of public fascination since the early 2000s, when they first dated and became engaged.
Their initial split in 2003 was a highly publicized event, with Lopez later describing it as "the biggest heartbreak of my life." In the intervening years, both stars married and divorced other partners. Lopez wed singer Marc Anthony in 2004, while Affleck married actress Jennifer Garner.
The couple's reunion in 2021 was seen as a romantic triumph, with Lopez stating in a November 2022 interview, "Now, 20 years later, it does have a happy ending." However, this latest development suggests a different outcome.
Throughout their careers, both Lopez and Affleck have achieved significant success. Lopez has sold over 80 million records worldwide and became the first Latin actress to earn over $1 million for a film with "Selena" in 1997. Affleck, meanwhile, won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for "Good Will Hunting" in 1998 and later directed the Oscar-winning film "Argo."
Their relationship has been marked by grand gestures, including Affleck's 2002 gift of a 6.1-carat pink diamond engagement ring, estimated to be worth $2.5 million. Beyond their entertainment careers, both have ventured into other industries, with Lopez launching her beauty line in 2021 and Affleck co-founding the Eastern Congo Initiative, a grant-making and advocacy organization.
As news of their reported divorce spreads, fans and industry observers alike are left to reflect on the couple's tumultuous journey and its apparent conclusion.
Representatives for Lopez and Affleck have not yet responded to requests for comment on the reported divorce filing.