Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck: A Comprehensive Timeline of Those Divorce Rumors

If anyone knows trials of love, it’s Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck.

After falling in love on the set of the universally panned Gigli in 2001, Bennifer called off their first attempt at a union in 2004. Two decades later, the couple rekindled their romance and made it to the altar in Las Vegas on July 16, 2022. Lopez changed her name, and even more important, accompanied Ben to Dunkin’ Donuts, both in real life and in a Super Bowl ad. If that’s not the truest definition of to have and to hold…

“It’s been such a journey. The thing that I think I’ve been wondering about my whole life is, like, is love real? Does true love exist?” Lopez told Today in January 2023. “It’s two people kind of coming together and saying, you know, ‘I’m gonna be here no matter what. And we’re gonna get through it together.’”

The public was on their side, and J.Lo was ready to cash in, releasing a follow-up to her 2002 album This Is Me…Then, aptly titled This Is Me…Now. Affleck even went out of his comfort zone to take part in the album’s companion film project, This Is Me: A Love Story, and the accompanying documentary, The Greatest Love Story Never Told. Which, um, got negative reviews. But hey, after Gigli, aren’t bad films at the core of their relationship?

Unfortunately, just a few months after the film’s release in February 2024, rumors began swirling that Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were “headed toward divorce.” By August, those predictions became reality.

So, what’s the latest? Here’s a timeline of all the Bennifer divorce, with the most recent updates up top.

February 21, 2025: Lopez and Affleck are officially declared legally single following their divorce, per TMZ.

January 7, 2025: A source tells People that Lopez is “in a really good place” while describing her marriage to Affleck as a “nightmare.”

“The fairy tale she was promised turned out to be a nightmare in the end,” the source says, adding, “She’s in a really good place and just wants to close the door on this crazy chapter.”

January 6, 2025: The pair finalize their divorce, with neither party paying spousal support, per TMZ.

December 22, 2024: Affleck and Lopez meet up for lunch and allegedly exchange holiday gifts, according to The Daily Mail.

November 3, 2024: Affleck calls Lopez “spectacular” during an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

October 9, 2024: Lopez opens up about single life in conversation with Nikki Glaser for Interview Magazine. “You have to be complete, if you want something that’s more complete. You have to be good on your own,” Lopez says. “I thought I learned that, but I didn’t. And then, this summer, I had to be like, ‘I need to go off and be on my own. I want to prove to myself that I can do that.’”

When Glaser asked if that was hard, Lopez replies, “Yes, it’s fucking hard!”

September 23, 2024: The pair are reportedly trying to preserve their relationships with each other’s families. “They want to show the kids that things are amicable,” a source tells People, adding, “They want to stay friendly. There’s still a lot of love.”

The insider adds that, despite getting lunch together, Affleck and Lopez “are still moving forward with the divorce” as they “continue to focus on the kids.”

September 14, 2024: The exes are photographed in public together for the first time since Lopez filed for divorce in late August. The former couple were seen with their children outside of The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, with Affleck dressed in a blue button-down and matching Nike sneakers while Lopez wore a long-sleeve black crop top and high-waist denim bell-bottoms.

This reunion briefly sparks rumors of a renewed romance, though it does not appear they rekindled their relationship.

September 6, 2024: As predicted, Ben Affleck skipped the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of J.Lo’s new film, Unstoppable, despite producing the project through his company, Artists Equity. Instead, his close friend and business partner Matt Damon represented the company, even posing with Jennifer Lopez on the red carpet.

People later reported that Lopez and Damon “clasped hands” for “several minutes” during a serious conversation at the film’s after party. According to a source, Lopez was hanging out with Damon’s wife, Luciana, and Unstoppable actor Don Cheadle when the Good Will Hunting star joined the group for over 20 minutes. “Jen and Matt began talking and had a long, deep conversation,” the source said, noting that the actors were also seen laughing during their interaction.

Bobby Cannavale, Jharrel Jerome, Jennifer Lopez, Don Cheadle, and Matt Damon attend the premiere of Unstoppable during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2024.

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Lopez also appears to have removed or covered her “commitment” tattoo, previously dedicated to Affleck.

September 3, 2024: Ben Affleck’s cousin-in-law Jennifer Lynn Affleck declares herself “the new Jenny from the block.”

August 30, 2024: Lopez appears to send a message with her latest Instagram dump. Toward the end of her slideshow, Lopez posted a T-shirt with particularly pointed text, “She’s in bloom and unbothered out of reach and at peace.” Another quote in the roundup: “Everything is unfolding in divine order.”

August 27, 2024: More sources suggest Affleck’s “moody” behavior caused friction. Lopez “did spend a lot of time making sure Ben was happy and had everything he needed,” a source from Lopez’s camp told People, adding, “The way she cared for him was almost childlike…Friends constantly reminded her that she’s not responsible for his feelings. He’s very moody and dark at times. Jennifer appreciates life in another way. She’s very grateful for everything.”

August 25, 2024: Sources tell People that Ben Affleck was a lot more involved in The Greatest Love Story Never Told than the documentary made it seem. “The documentary was Ben’s idea for his company, Artists Equity,” one source told People. “Jennifer’s team didn’t want to do it since she was focused on the album and Amazon Original video project.”

According to another source, he presented a “false narrative” in the doc, which made it seem like he was hesitant to participate. “He loved the movie and album, but when you look at the doc, it looks like he’s surprised by it and not signing up for it,” the source said. “He was playing the role of playing the regular guy and meanwhile, he was the engine in back of it.”

August 24, 2024: A source told People that Ben Affleck’s “erratic mood swings” impacted Lopez’s decision to file for divorce. “They were trying to work through it, but when the mood swings and the big highs and big lows informed a toxicity that was pervasive, no one can help you—you have to help yourself,” the source said. “The world was rooting for them, but who he said he was and who he turned out to be were two different people.”

Meanwhile, a source tells Page Six that Affleck has been spending time at Los Angeles hot spots with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 36-year-old daughter, Kick Kennedy, amid his divorce. Kick’s reps reportedly declined to comment, and Affleck’s team did not respond to the publication’s inquiry.

August 22, 2024: Just because the divorce has been filed doesn’t mean folks are done speculating. While reports surface about the cause of the divorce, sources are claiming to know how the pair will handle their upcoming joint business venture. After all, Affleck and Damon’s production company, Artists Equity, produced Lopez’s upcoming film, Unstoppable.

Sources tell Page Six and People that Lopez plans to attend the Toronto Film Festival for its premiere on September 6, while Affleck won’t be present. However, the Daily Mail reports that “certain producers” are “pushing the two to appear together at the premiere in Toronto to create buzz on the film.”

August 20, 2024: Jennifer Lopez files for divorce from Ben Affleck. According to People, she filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court without using a lawyer, citing April 26 as the date of seperation. TMZ reports the couple does not have a prenup and that Lopez requested to have “Affleck” removed from her legal name.

“[Lopez is] very disappointed and sad, but Ben hasn’t given her any signs that he wants to continue their marriage,” a source later tells People. “He hasn’t shown any commitment and interest in making their marriage work. It’s gotten to the point that she just needs to look out for herself.”

Another source tells Entertainment Tonight that Affleck and Lopez were “miserable in their marriage for months.”

August 15, 2024: Lopez “stopped by” Affleck’s rental home on his birthday before hitting up a Bruno Mars concert without him.

August 11, 2024: Per Page Six, Lopez goes shopping with Affleck’s son, Samuel, the same day Affleck’s daughter Violet is photographed wearing a dress she may have borrowed from Lopez’s own closet.

August 1, 2024: Jennifer Lopez is seen wearing her engagement ring from Ben Affleck, but not on her left hand.

July 27, 2024: TMZ reports that Ben Affleck has purchased a five-bedroom, six-bathroom home in Los Angeles for $20.5 million. According to real estate sources, the actor closed escrow on the Pacific Palisades mansion earlier in the week.

July 20, 2024: Lopez throws herself a Bridgerton-themed birthday party, which Affleck does not attend. A source later told Entertainment Tonight that the pop star is “doing her best to stay positive and focus on the great things in her life.” The source continued, “It has been a hard year with some unexpected realizations, changes, and obstacles, but Jen is trying to view her 55th birthday as a fresh start. She is trying not to let her situation with Ben bring her down.”

July 14, 2024: Lopez was spotted walking arm-in-arm with Violet Affleck a day after Ben Affleck’s 18-year-old daughter arrived in the Hamptons without him.

July 5, 2024: Lopez wears Affleck’s first initial on a charm bracelet, which seems like a positive sign.

July 4, 2024: Jennifer Lopez was spotted in the Hamptons a day after Ben Affleck was seen taking his children out to dinner in Los Angeles. Though they’re on different coasts, both Lopez and Affleck appeared to be in high spirits and were reportedly wearing their wedding rings.

June 28, 2024: A source told People that Affleck removed his belongings from their shared home before Lopez returned from her recent trip to Europe. “Ben continues to live at the Brentwood rental. He’s been there for about two months now,” another source told People. “He seems okay. He’s been at his office every day and seems focused on work. He’s also spending time with his kids.”

June 26, 2026: Lopez was seen driving to Affleck’s office in Los Angeles after returning from Paris Fashion Week.

June 25, 2024: But wait! His wedding ring was back on!

June 23, 2024: Affleck was spotted without his wedding ring at lunch with his daughter Violet in Los Angeles while Lopez was abroad for Paris Fashion Week.

June 21, 2024: Ben Affleck appeared on Kevin Hart’s podcast, Hart to Heart, and publicly refers to his relationship for the first time since divorce rumors began circulating.

When asked whether prefers working in front of or behind the camera, Affleck says that he sees himself as more of a director, and that, in fact, he’s “a little shy.”

“I also don’t like a lot of attention,” he added, per People. “This why people see me [and] they’re like, ‘Well, this dude always mad….’ Because somebody has their camera and is sticking it in my face.” Affleck could be referring to several instances in which he was characterized as “mad,” such as when he huffily slammed his car door, or when he appeared to be in glum mood at the Grammys.

“We went somewhere with [Jennifer]—I can’t remember because she’s so famous, and she creates this…people love her. And she really represents something important to people,” Affleck explained.

“[To me,] people are like, ‘Hey, I like your movie,’ and then they’re like ‘AHHHH! J.LO!’” he continued. “It’s amazing, you know what I mean?

“I don’t mind you taking my picture at a club, a premiere, whatever. My wife, I don’t give a fuck. Go ahead. Knock yourself out. I don’t notice you,” he said before adding, “My children, that’s a different thing.”

He went on to explain an experience with the couple’s five children in which they needed to walk a short distance near Times Square. Essentially, J.Lo was mobbed.

“We get out with her, all the kids, through Times Square, and the shit was like fuckin’ bananas,” he said. “I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ There was a lady, she was smoking weed, in a full purple skintight suit—she’s a heavy lady—and she starts running backwards filming, going ‘J-LO!!’ Like a herald. Then gets everyone else, they’re all tourists, whatever, just moving.

“Then I’m moving. We got, like, our five kids, me and Jen, and it’s, it’s like, it feels like hundreds of people and now screaming,” he added.

June 11, 2024: They may not be together-together, but there’s no animosity. “They’re still friendly and see each other every few days,” a source “close to Lopez” told People. This honestly tracks, as even when they were post-split the first time, they only ever said nice things about each other.

June 8, 2024: Their $60 million house is on the market, per TMZ. Pretty much everyone saw this coming, as Lopez was seen real estate shopping without her husband, and there were already sources saying Affleck moved out long ago. Now it’s official.

June 2, 2024: Spotted: B and J at S’s game. They both went to Samuel Affleck’s basketball game. “It’s a good sign they were at the game together,” an insider tells People. No kidding.

May 31, 2024: Live Nation announces that Lopez canceled her world tour to spend more time with “her children, family, and close friends.” Notice that “husband” is not listed. In her own statement, Lopez writes she is “devastated” and “heartsick” over the cancellation. “Please know that I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t feel that it was absolutely necessary,” she wrote on her newsletter On the JLo.

Meanwhile, a source tells People that the couple is attempting to “put the kids first,” adding, “Jennifer and Ben have always been very family-oriented.”

May 30, 2024: Lopez and Affleck hold hands at his daughter Violet’s graduation. “[Lopez] seemed upbeat and engaged,” an onlooker tells People.

March 28, 2024: “They are taking some space to work out whether or not the relationship is right for both of them,” a source tells Us Weekly. “Jennifer had started ramping up her work commitments and prepping for her tour. She’s very focused on work and overextends herself.… He’s been checked out…[they are on] two completely different pages most of the time. The honeymoon phase has worn off.”

Affleck’s ex, Jennifer Garner, “wants the best” for Affleck, according to a source in People. “She wants him happy and healthy so he can be the best dad possible.” This is basically what she said when Ben called it quits with Ana de Armas, so props to J.Garn for staying on message.

May 27, 2024: Affleck attends daughter Violet Affleck’s graduation solo, per photos published by Page Six. The fact that Lopez does not come with him is surprising, considering how close they have always seemed to be with one another’s kids. Violet came with them on their honeymoon for Pete’s sake!

Lopez appears to spend Memorial Day Weekend at the home of a friend, per photos published in the Daily Mail. That said, Lopez does appear to be wearing her engagement ring in the pics (along with white pants and a tie-dye Gucci top).

May 22, 2024: As speculation about a Bennifer divorce ramps up, a journalist in Mexico City—where Lopez is promoting her new movie Atlas—asks JLo point-blank if the rumors are true. Lopez rebuffs the question, responding, “You know better than that.”

Meanwhile, an insider tells People that their union “is not in the best place at the moment.” The source added, “She likes to open her heart to her fans and to the world. He is more introspective and private. This has been difficult day-to-day.” Yep, got that.

May 20, 2024: The day everyone dropped their talking points. “If there was a way to divorce on grounds of temporary insanity, he would,” a rather scathing insider tells Page Six. “He feels like the last two years was just a fever dream, and he’s come to his senses now and understands there is just no way this is going to work.”

Sources tell People that the reason for the turmoil at Casa Bennifer is the two have different approaches to fame. “Ben hates all attention and it makes him very uncomfortable,” one source told the outlet. “Jennifer has always had a different approach.”

A source “in the film industry” added that Affleck had “always been impressed” by Lopez, and specifically her work ethic and career but “always sharing her life is not his way.”

“Even though he admires that about her, it doesn’t make him happy and causes stress in his life and then in hers. There is no question their different styles clash,” the industry source said.

Yet another source, this one from “the music world,” confirms: Lopez “needs that expression but Affleck simply is not comfortable with it. After a while it causes tension in the relationship. 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.”

“There have always been clashes in their styles, how they handle issues, and their actions, but nothing has stopped their love over the years,” the source said. “This is a great love story.”

The same day, Lopez attends the Atlas premiere without her husband, who is busy filming The Accountant 2.

Jennifer Lopez on May 20, 2024.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

May 19, 2024: Lopez, Affleck, and Ben’s ex, Jennifer Garner, were photographed attending a family event with Affleck and Garner’s three kids, Violet, Fin, and Samuel. Though they aren’t photographed together at the event, Lopez and Affleck are later seen together in a car, laying it on thick for the paps. At one point, cameras catch a photo of Affleck’s phone appearing to call Lopez, who is in the car with him. The name saved in his contacts? Jennifer Affleck. (See the pics here.)

May 17, 2024: Lopez and Affleck were photographed together for the first time in 47 days. While a source tells People that the pair arrived at the school play separately, the two left the event together and were both reportedly spotted wearing their wedding rings.

May 16, 2024: Affleck was photographed leaving the Brentwood home he has reportedly been staying in “over the past week or so.” He did appear to be wearing his wedding ring in the photo, which was published by TMZ.

That same day, relationship coach Lenna Marsak claims on Instagram Stories that Lopez had “liked” a particularly interesting post about relationships. “You can’t build a relationship with someone who is disconnected from themselves,” Marsak captioned the post on March 19, which details why it’s difficult to foster a “healthy relationship” with “someone who lacks integrity & emotional safety.”

Per E! News, Marsak shared a screenshot of Lopez’s apparent double-tap, writing, “Just logged on to IG and noticed @jlo liked my post. Jlo or her PR team, I’ll take it.”

Meanwhile, a source told Us Weekly that the two are not splitting up but are “having issues in their marriage.” According to the source, “They started having issues a few months ago as Jen had started ramping up work commitments and prepping for her [This Is Me…Live] tour.”

May 15, 2024: In Touch reported that Affleck had moved out of their shared home, and that the couple was “headed toward divorce.”

“Ben already moved out and they’ll likely have to sell the dream house they spent two years searching for. They’ll never stop loving each other, but she can’t control him, and he can’t change her. There’s no way it could have lasted,” the source said. “They waited almost two decades to get back together, but in the end, they just couldn’t make it work…. They both said they’d matured and learned from their mistakes, but some of the bigger issues that tore them apart the first time remained the same.”

May 14, 2024: Lopez goes house-hunting in Los Angeles without Affleck.

Jennifer Lopez is seen on May 14, 2024.

Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin

May 12, 2024: Lopez was seen in Beverly Hills on Mother’s Day. People later reported that she and Affleck did not spend the holiday together.

May 6, 2024: Lopez attended (and co-chaired) the 2024 Met Gala without her husband.

Jennifer Lopez on May 6, 2024, in New York City

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

May 5, 2024: Affleck attends The Roast of Tom Brady in Inglewood, California.

Tom Brady and Ben Affleck on May 5, 2024

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

March 30, 2024: Lopez and Affleck were photographed together for the last time before the divorce rumors started. Later, People reported that Lopez remained in New York City to film Kiss of the Spider Woman and promoted her Netflix film, Atlas, while Affleck returned to LA to work on The Accountant 2.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are seen on March 30, 2024, in New York City.

MEGA

February 27, 2024: In The Greatest Love Story Never Told, Affleck said they are “two people with different kinds of approaches trying to learn to compromise.”

“Getting back together, I said, ‘Listen, one of the things I don’t want is a relationship on social media,’” he said in the doc, per People. “Then I sort of realized it’s not a fair thing to ask. It’s sort of like, you’re gonna marry a boat captain and you go, ‘Well, I don’t like the water.’”

Lopez acknowledged that Affleck may not be fully “comfortable” with his role in her work. “I don’t think [Ben] is very comfortable with me doing all of this,” she said. “But he loves me, he knows I’m an artist, and he’s gonna support me in every way he can because he knows you can’t stop me from making the music I made.… He doesn’t want to stop me. But that doesn’t mean he’s comfortable being the muse.”

This post will be updated. For everything that happened before this point, check out Bennifer’s complete relationship timeline here.