Jennifer Lopez emotionally reminisced about the end of her marriage to Ben Affleck in 2004, reflecting on their initial relationship.
The 54-year-old singer candidly discussed her marriage to her husband Ben, 51, in her latest documentary, “The Greatest Love Story Never Told.”
The documentary follows the singer’s journey during the creation of her latest album, “This Is Me… Now,” and her twenty-year path toward embracing self-love.
Jennifer, aged 54, and Ben, aged 51, gained widespread attention when they became engaged in the early 2000s. However, they called off their engagement, only to reconcile and eventually tie the knot in July 2022.
Their initial two-year love affair was extensively covered by the media, and the intense scrutiny took its toll on the couple’s relationship.
Jennifer Lopez emotionally reminisced about ending her marriage to Ben Affleck in 2004 during their initial relationship.
In her latest documentary, “The Greatest Love Story Never Told,” the 54-year-old singer candidly discussed her relationship with her husband, Ben, who is 51 years old.
Jennifer revealed, “Ben and I broke up three days before our wedding, and we crumbled under the pressure. You think you’re holding it together, but it weighs heavily on you.”
The “On The Floor” hitmaker also shared her raw emotions about the pain of their breakup, expressing, “I felt heartbroken losing the love of my life, my closest companion, and I couldn’t find my voice for so many years. That was the toughest part. I used to believe it was everyone else who was shattered, but now I realize it was just me.”
Their love story began in 2002 while filming “Jersey Girl,” leading to an engagement the following year, but ending in 2004.
However, fate intervened for the couple, known as Bennifer, who reunited in July 2021 and married a year later. Their journey, including the highs and lows, is detailed in Jennifer’s new documentary. Ben disclosed that at the start of their renewed relationship, he requested privacy, preferring to keep their romance offline.
As they navigated their reconciliation two decades after their initial engagement, the two-time Oscar winner confessed he had no desire to become a prominent figure on his wife’s social media platforms.
She expressed, “I was heartbroken after losing the love of my life, my closest confidant, and I found it difficult to speak for many years, which was the most challenging aspect.”
Their romantic journey began in 2002 (as shown in the picture) when they started dating during the filming of the movie Jersey Girl. They got engaged the following year but parted ways in 2004.
“Upon reconciling, I told him, ‘Listen, one thing I’m not keen on is having our relationship all over social media,'” the actor recounted.
“Then, I realized it’s not quite fair to ask that. It’s akin to marrying a boat captain and saying, ‘I’m not a fan of the water.'”
He elaborated, “We’re two individuals with differing approaches, striving to find common ground.”
Ultimately, Jennifer honored his request, sharing only a few snapshots of him, such as a revealing shirtless picture on Father’s Day and a heartwarming video of them singing Sam Cooke’s “(What A) Wonderful World” in the car on his birthday.
In the documentary, the mother-of-two acknowledged Ben’s discomfort with public scrutiny on their relationship, especially after the intense media attention they faced during their initial romance from 2002 to 2004.
“I don’t think [Ben] enjoys all of this attention,” she admitted. “But he loves me, he understands I’m an artist, and he’ll support me in every way because he knows I’m unstoppable when it comes to making music… He doesn’t want to hold me back. However, it doesn’t mean he’s comfortable being in the spotlight.”
Elsewhere in the documentary, Jennifer broke into tears as she confessed that what her husband made her realize about herself was profoundly moving.
She revealed, “Both of us have experienced PTSD from our earlier dating years,” but clarified that in their current life as a married couple, they’re “more mature” and “wiser” (as shown in the picture from 2003).
With tears welling up, she disclosed, “What he expressed and saw in me, and the belief he instilled in me, all stemmed from love. Because no one else could have shown me that about myself. It’s incredibly touching. Because I didn’t hold myself in high regard, and consequently, the world didn’t either. It all aligned.”
Reflecting on their reunion, she remarked, “We’re entirely different individuals now, yet we remain the same, and our love is as strong as ever, 100 percent. It’s as if I never stopped loving you. I just had to set it aside.”
The couple became engaged in late 2002 but called off their engagement towards the end of 2003 before ultimately ending their relationship in 2004.
During the intervening years, Jennifer married and divorced her third husband, Marc Anthony, with whom she shares her 15-year-old twins, Max and Emme.
Meanwhile, Ben wedded and later divorced Jennifer Garner, with whom he shares amicable co-parenting duties for their three children – Violet, aged 18, Seraphina, aged 14, and Samuel, aged 11.
2001
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez first met on the set of their film Gigli in December 2001.
The movie, upon its eventual release two years later, won seven Razzies and was branded ‘unwatchable’ by some critics.
It garnered $7.2m in the box office against a reported $55m budget. Yet all was not lost, as the film brought Bennifer closer together.
SEPTEMBER 2002
Reunited once again in 2002, Bennifer returned to the camera lens, unaware of the impending box office disappointment awaiting them. They reunited to film the 2004 movie “Jersey Girl,” where their love story flourished and their iconic couple name was born.
Their moniker, “Bennifer,” coined by “Jersey Girl” director Kevin Smith, gained traction as he reminisced, “‘Bennifer’ first surfaced during ‘Jersey Girl’ pre-production, prior to their public dating revelation… I casually mentioned it in an interview with the @nytimes. Soon after, it became widely recognized.”
From that point forward, their journey together was marked by notable moments. They made their red carpet debut at the premiere of Jennifer’s movie “Maid In Manhattan” and captivated audiences with their glamorous appearances, solidifying their status as one of Hollywood’s most photographed couples.
Engaged: In 2002, Ben surprised Jennifer with an extravagant proposal during a visit to his family in Boston, presenting her with a stunning 6.1-carat pink solitaire diamond from Harry Winston.
Describing the magical moment, she recalled, “The entire house was adorned with a blanket of rose petals, countless candles, and overflowing bouquets. My song ‘I’m Glad’ was playing… I walked in and was completely overwhelmed. I never expected it, and I was just like, ‘Oh my God.'”
Ben later disclosed that his mother, Christopher Anne Boldt, assisted him in orchestrating the proposal. Jennifer tearfully recounted, “I just burst into tears. I couldn’t stop crying. I was like, ‘Oh! My God!'”
Reflecting further, she added, “I had shed many tears of sorrow over the years. But for the first time in my life, I cried tears of immense joy… It was the most cathartic and incredible feeling I had ever experienced.”
Shortly after, Ben made a cameo appearance in Jennifer’s music video for “Jenny From The Block,” featuring a scene designed to resemble a discreet paparazzi recording, capturing the actor affectionately caressing her famous posterior.
Not content with just a video cameo, Jennifer dedicated her sultry and adoring track “Dear Ben” from her third studio album “This Is Me… Then” to her soon-to-be husband.
SEPTEMBER 2003
Delayed: Just days before their anticipated wedding, the couple shocked fans by announcing a postponement, citing overwhelming media scrutiny.
In their official statement, they explained, “Due to the overwhelming media attention surrounding our wedding, we have chosen to postpone the event… As we found ourselves entertaining the idea of hiring decoy brides at multiple locations, we realized the situation had become untenable… We feared that the essence of what should have been our happiest day might be compromised… We couldn’t bear the thought of our joyous and sacred occasion being marred by external pressures, affecting not only us but also our families and friends.”
JANUARY 2004
With a brief statement, the couple confirmed their separation.
Jennifer’s spokesperson declared, “I can confirm that Jennifer Lopez has called off her engagement to Ben Affleck. During this challenging period, we kindly request privacy for her.”
2004 – 2005
Later that same year, Jennifer sought solace in her longtime friend, Marc Anthony, expressing, “I was hoping to find someone who could provide me with love and comfort during my loneliest moments… Looking back, perhaps I subconsciously realized that this was merely a temporary solution.”
She tied the knot with the singer in June of that year and welcomed twins with him in 2008. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2014.
Meanwhile, Ben entered matrimony with actress Jennifer Garner in 2005, and they have three children together: Violet, aged 15, Seraphina, aged 12, and Samuel, aged 9. The couple separated in 2018.
2012
Ben emphasized that their friendship remained strong during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, stating, “We don’t have the type of relationship where she seeks my advice, but we do have the kind of connection where we exchange emails like, ‘Your movie looks fantastic’… I recall when she joined American Idol, I said, ‘That’s a smart move. Best of luck.'”
He continued, “I have a great deal of respect for her. I genuinely admire her. She has faced some unjust challenges in her life, and I’m genuinely thrilled to see her thriving.”
2014
Two years following her divorce, Jennifer expressed to Huffington Post: “I would repeat it all, I believe. Every bit of it. Including the relationship aspect. I truly feel that everything contributes to your narrative and your personal growth if you’re open to it, and I am.”
2016
In discussing the dynamics of their relationship, Jennifer elaborated on the struggles they encountered as a couple.
She explained, “I believe circumstances were different back then. It’s hard to say what might have transpired differently, but there was an authentic love between us. We didn’t actively seek out a public relationship… We simply happened to be together during the emergence of tabloid culture, and the pressure was immense.”
APRIL 2021
In April, Jennifer surprisingly ended her engagement to MLB star Alex Rodriguez, despite his proposal in 2019.
“We’ve come to the realization that we’re stronger as friends and anticipate maintaining that bond. We’ll continue collaborating and backing each other in our joint ventures and endeavors,” read a statement issued by the couple.
Completed! In April, Jennifer unexpectedly terminated her engagement to MLB star Alex Rodriguez (pictured), despite his proposal in 2019.
Not long after, Ben was spotted arriving at Jennifer’s residence in a white Escalade SUV, rumored to be owned by the “Hustlers” star. Later, he was observed being dropped off by the singer’s security team.
During that period, they were also reportedly spotted having several encounters at the Hotel Bel-Air.
According to TMZ, Affleck had initiated contact with J-Lo via email while she was filming her rom-com “Shotgun Wedding” in the Dominican Republic earlier this year.
Sources suggest that the pair continued their communication until Jennifer finished filming in late April, with multiple reports affirming that they were simply “friends.”
MAY 2021
Ben treated his former flame Jennifer to a romantic getaway over the past weekend, whisking her away on a private jet to a luxurious ski resort in Montana, where the actor is known to own a chalet.
Exclusive images obtained by DailyMail.com captured the former couple in a relaxed and comfortable state as they sat together in an SUV, with Ben behind the wheel. Rumors have circulated about him spending time at the singer’s LA mansion on multiple occasions.
Upon their return to LA, both Ben and Jennifer were pictured dressed casually, standing close together as they disembarked from the private plane following their brief trip, accompanied by a considerable amount of luggage.
Revived: Exclusive images acquired by DailyMail.com depicted Ben, aged 48, and Jennifer, aged 51, in a relaxed and comfortable demeanor as they later sat together in an SUV in Montana.
According to sources speaking to E!, the couple reportedly spent approximately a week together at the club, and they were alone for the duration of their stay.
After their retreat, Jennifer made multiple trips to Los Angeles to be with Ben, who later traveled to Miami, Florida, to visit Lopez’s residence.
During his time in Miami, Ben was spotted on Jennifer’s balcony smoking cigarettes before joining her for a workout session.
Insiders informed In Touch magazine that during their gym session, Ben and Jen appeared deeply enamored with each other and seemed to be picking up right where they left off in their relationship years ago.
The source added, “They even shared a kiss on the gym floor and were incredibly playful with each other in between sets.”
May 31, 2021 – Rekindled romance CONFIRMED
After weeks of speculation and reports suggesting a transition from friendship to a “romantic” relationship, Ben and Jennifer personally confirmed the news during a romantic evening in West Hollywood.
As they awaited their table at Wolfgang Puck’s latest restaurant situated within the luxurious Pendry hotel, Jennifer, aged 51, and Ben, aged 48, were seen with their arms entwined around each other. The “On The Floor” singer rested her head on the Academy Award-winner’s neck while he held her closely with one arm.
JUNE 2021
Jennifer made the decision to relocate from Miami to the West Coast for Ben, as she was spotted touring schools in the Los Angeles area for her thirteen-year-old twins, Max and Emme.
According to a source quoted by The Sun, Lopez was “looking towards LA,” finding her Miami home a reminder of her past relationship. Los Angeles offered a fresh start, given its convenience for her television commitments and frequent photoshoots, which predominantly occur on the west coast.
During this time, Jennifer resided in her $28 million mansion in LA, frequently visiting Ben’s home in Brentwood. Additionally, he was observed leaving her residence in Bel Air on multiple occasions.
Demonstrating their rekindled romance, Jennifer and Ben were photographed sharing a kiss on June 15 during JLo’s sister Lynda’s 50th birthday dinner in Malibu. Their children, Max and Emme, were also present, with Ben seen bonding with them during the family celebration at Nobu restaurant.
SUMMER 2021
Blending Families: With their relationship flourishing, Jennifer and Ben have been actively working to integrate their families.
In another step towards blending their families, Ben and Jennifer opted for a day out at Universal Studios Hollywood ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. The couple, arm in arm, were accompanied by Lopez’s twins and Affleck’s nine-year-old son Samuel.
They later departed Los Angeles to celebrate the Fourth of July in the Hamptons, joined by Lopez’s daughter Emme and a friend.
On Thursday, July 15, Ben was seen chauffeuring his girlfriend as she searched for a “mega-mansion” in Los Angeles, reported by TMZ, further sparking speculation about her potential relocation to be closer to him.
JANUARY – MARCH 2022
As their rekindled romance blossomed, Ben and Jennifer embarked on a quest to find a “mega-mansion” in the Los Angeles region.
Photographs captured them inspecting various expansive properties throughout the city on multiple occasions.
By late March, TMZ revealed that the couple was “in escrow” for a colossal $50 million mansion boasting 10 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms in the upscale neighborhood of Bel Air.
On March 23, Ben showed his support for his pop star girlfriend at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles, where she was honored with the prestigious Icon Award. He was spotted seated in the audience alongside Jennifer’s daughter Emme.
Significant Occasion: On March 23, Ben stood by his pop star girlfriend’s side at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles, where she received the prestigious Icon Award.
APRIL 2022
After days of speculation fueled by sightings of a sizable sparkler adorning her finger, Jennifer officially announced her engagement to Ben for the second time in their relationship.
The confirmation came via a newsletter distributed on her official website on Friday, April 8, accompanied by a heartfelt video capturing her emotional reaction upon seeing her engagement ring.
Earlier that day, just hours before the news went public, Ben and Jennifer were spotted exploring real estate properties in Santa Monica. Notably, the “On The Floor” singer was not wearing her engagement ring during this outing.
JULY 16, 2022
Jennifer and Ben exchanged vows in Las Vegas on July 16, 2022, just three months after re-engagement and two decades after the actor’s initial proposal.
The 52-year-old “Selena” actress confirmed their marriage through her newsletter, “On The JLo,” where she provided insights into their intimate wedding at the Little White Wedding Chapel.
Signed as “Mrs. Jennifer Lynn Affleck,” the newsletter featured candid selfies of the newlyweds and a video showcasing the couple’s preparations for their special day. It included moments such as Ben getting ready in the chapel’s bathroom and photos of J.Lo in her wedding attire.
“We did it. Love is beautiful. Love is kind. And it turns out love is patient. Twenty years of patience,” she expressed in her post.
“Exactly as we envisioned. Last night, we flew to Vegas and joined a queue for a marriage license alongside four other couples, each embarking on the same journey to the wedding capital of the world. Behind us, two men held hands, while in front, a young couple made the three-hour drive from Victorville on their daughter’s second birthday. All of us shared the same desire—to have our partnership recognized by the world and to profess our love through the ancient and nearly universal symbol of marriage.
We barely arrived at the little white wedding chapel before midnight. Thankfully, they graciously extended their hours for a few extra minutes, allowing us to capture pictures in a pink Cadillac convertible, which evidently once chauffeured the king himself (although, if we wanted Elvis to officiate, that came at an additional cost, and he was already in bed).
With the best witnesses one could ask for, clad in a dress from an old movie and a jacket borrowed from Ben’s closet, we exchanged our own vows in the quaint chapel and placed rings on each other’s fingers—a symbol of our lifelong commitment. They even had Bluetooth for a (brief) procession down the aisle. In the end, it was the wedding of our dreams—a vision we had long held and finally brought to fruition (officially recognized by the state, Las Vegas, a pink convertible, and each other) after a long, long wait.
When love is genuine, the only thing that truly matters in marriage is each other and the promise we make to love, cherish, understand, and support one another. We had that, and so much more. It was the most incredible night of our lives. Our heartfelt gratitude to the Little White Wedding Chapel for allowing me to use the break room to change while Ben prepared in the men’s room.”
Mr. and Mrs.: JLo disclosed specifics about their memorable day and signed the declaration as ‘Mrs. Jennifer Lynn Affleck.’
“They were right when they said, ‘all you need is love’. We are incredibly grateful to have an abundance of it, along with a newfound wonderful family of five amazing children, and a future filled with anticipation like never before. Stay around long enough, and perhaps you’ll stumble upon the greatest moment of your life—a drive through a Las Vegas tunnel of love at twelve-thirty in the morning, accompanied by your kids and the one you’ll cherish forever. Love is a magnificent thing, perhaps the finest of all—and certainly worth the wait.”
The accompanying video featured Ben getting ready for their wedding inside the chapel’s pink bathroom.
“And this was my wedding changing area!” Ben, dressed in a white suit, exclaimed as he held the camera up to a scratched-up mirror.
Big day: The A-lister took a selfie before a scratched-up mirror as he prepared for his special day
However, Jennifer enjoyed more luxurious accommodations. She adorned a chic yet elegantly simple dress, with her hair styled in waves as she underwent her glamorous transformation in an elegant bathroom.
“I feel amazing, excited,” Jennifer exclaimed before gracefully twirling in her dress.
The bride seemed to have donned two different white dresses in her post—an sleeveless frock and a more traditional lace garment that hinted at some cleavage. She adorned her cascading waves with a veil.
The couple, affectionately known as ‘Bennifer,’ secured a marriage license in Clark County, Nevada on Saturday and exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony.
Jennifer will also be adopting Affleck’s last name. Records from the Clark County Recorder’s Office indicate that the pop star will be legally known as ‘Jennifer Affleck.’ However, the marriage certificate is yet to be officially filed.
According to the Clark County Clerk’s Office, marriage officiants have up to 10 calendar days to submit the certificate to their office for filing.
