The relationship between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez spans over two decades, encompassing two engagements, a marriage, and a divorce that was finalized in early 2025. Their story, which began on a movie set in 2001, has unfolded through intense media scrutiny, a painful breakup, a fairy-tale reunion, and finally an amicable separation that has evolved into a supportive friendship. This is the complete timeline of one of Hollywood’s most closely followed celebrity love stories.
The Meeting and the Birth of “Bennifer”
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez first crossed paths in 2002 on the set of their film “Gigli,” which was released the following year . At the time, Lopez was still married to her second husband, Cris Judd, but she filed for divorce in July 2002, citing irreconcilable differences . Shortly after, she and Affleck began a public romance that would captivate the tabloids. Reflecting on their first encounter, Lopez told People in 2016 that she felt “OK, this is it” when she started talking to Affleck . The media quickly dubbed them “Bennifer,” and they became one of the most photographed couples of the early 2000s .
The First Engagement and the Pink Diamond Ring
In November 2002, Affleck proposed to Lopez with a stunning 6.1-carat pink diamond ring from Harry Winston, reportedly worth $2.5 million . Lopez later told Diane Sawyer that it was “the most magnificent thing I’ve ever seen” and that Affleck wanted her to have something nobody else would have . The engagement cemented their status as Hollywood royalty, but the relentless media attention began to take its toll. During this period, Lopez released her third studio album, “This Is Me… Then,” which included the song “Dear Ben,” a love letter to the actor . The album drew inspiration from their relationship and became a cultural touchstone for their romance.
The Postponed Wedding and the Breakup
In September 2003, just days before their scheduled wedding, Affleck and Lopez announced they were postponing the ceremony. Their joint statement cited “excessive media attention” and revealed they had considered hiring three separate decoy brides at different locations to avoid the paparazzi . They explained that the spirit of what should have been the happiest day of their lives could be compromised . In January 2004, they officially called off their engagement . Lopez later described the breakup as her “biggest heartbreak,” telling Apple Music in 2022 that she felt like she was going to die and that it sent her on a spiral for the next eighteen years where she could not get it right . The intense tabloid frenzy, which included constant coverage of their every move, played a significant role in their split .Ben Affleck
Jennifer Lopez
These profiles combine verified information from CNN, Celebrity Net Worth, and other reputable sources to provide a complete overview of both stars. Their estimated net worth figures reflect their individual fortunes as reported by multiple outlets .
Life Apart and New Families
After their split, both Affleck and Lopez moved on and built lives with other partners. Affleck married Jennifer Garner in 2005, and they had three children together before divorcing in 2018 . Lopez married singer Marc Anthony in 2004, and they welcomed twins, Max and Emme, in 2008 before finalizing their divorce in 2014 . Lopez later became engaged to former New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez in 2019, but they split in April 2021 . For nearly two decades, it seemed that the Bennifer chapter was permanently closed.
The Reunion and Second Engagement
In 2021, following Lopez’s split from Rodriguez, she and Affleck reconnected . By May 2021, they were spotted together in Montana, and rumors of a reunion began to swirl . In September 2021, they made it official, appearing together on the red carpet at the Venice International Film Festival . Affleck described their reunion as “beautiful” and noted that it happened in a healthy way . Lopez’s mother, Guadalupe Rodríguez, later said on TODAY that she had prayed for twenty years that they would get back together . In April 2022, Affleck proposed for the second time, this time with a green diamond ring, and Lopez shared the news with fans through a video of her admiring the ring .
The Weddings in Las Vegas and Georgia
In July 2022, Affleck and Lopez surprised the world by getting married in Las Vegas . Lopez announced the news in her newsletter, saying, “We did it. Love is beautiful. Love is kind. And it turns out love is patient. Twenty years patient” . She described the ceremony as exactly what they wanted, and they waited in line with four other couples for their marriage license . A month later, in August 2022, they held a larger, more formal wedding celebration at Affleck’s property in Georgia . The event was a three-day affair with a white dress code, and Lopez wore a Ralph Lauren gown . Guests included Affleck’s longtime friend Matt Damon, director Kevin Smith, and actor Jason Mewes . The wedding was officiated by celebrity life coach Jay Shetty .
The Separation and Divorce Filing
Despite the fairy-tale reunion, the marriage was not to last. In court filings, the couple stated that they had separated in April 2023 . Rumors of trouble began to surface in 2024, particularly after Lopez promoted her film “Atlas” without Affleck and later canceled her “This Is Me” tour, citing a need to spend time with her children, family, and close friends . On August 20, 2024, the second anniversary of their Georgia wedding, Lopez filed for divorce in Los Angeles Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences . The divorce filing came just over two years after their Las Vegas wedding.
The Divorce Settlement and Finalization
In January 2025, Lopez and Affleck settled their divorce through mediation, avoiding a prolonged legal battle . Court documents showed that neither star would pay the other spousal support, and Lopez would drop Affleck from her legal name, reverting to Jennifer Lynn Lopez . The couple, who have no children together, resolved the financial aspects of their split privately . Their divorce was officially finalized in early 2025, with a judge approving the settlement and making it effective . The settlement allowed each party to keep what they individually acquired during the marriage, including Affleck’s stake in his production company, Artists Equity, which he founded with Matt Damon .
A New Dynamic of Friendship and Co-Parenting
Since their divorce, Affleck and Lopez have remained in each other’s lives in a supportive and amicable way . Reports indicate that they have settled into a good place, with Lopez reportedly over the moon that things between them have become so positive . According to sources, Affleck continues to offer Lopez counsel and emotional support, and she has been happy to rely on him for advice and guidance . This new dynamic mirrors the close bond Affleck shares with his first ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, with whom he co-parents their three children . The exes have been seen together at events and on outings, demonstrating a commitment to their blended family . Affleck has publicly praised Lopez, calling her a spectacular person with a lot of integrity and noting that she is great with his children .
The Legacy of Bennifer
The relationship between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez has left an indelible mark on pop culture. From the early 2000s tabloid frenzy to the stunning reunion two decades later, their story has fascinated the public for over twenty years. They starred together in “Gigli” and “Jersey Girl,” and their romance inspired Lopez’s album “This Is Me… Then” . Their journey, which includes two engagements, a marriage, a divorce, and now a supportive friendship, reflects the complexities of love and fame in the modern era. As they move forward separately, their ability to maintain a positive relationship serves as a reminder that even the most dramatic Hollywood stories can have a peaceful and respectful conclusion.1. When did Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez first start dating?
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez first started dating in 2002 after meeting on the set of their film “Gigli.” They became engaged in November of that year but called off their wedding in September 2003 and officially ended their engagement in January 2004.
2. Why did Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez break up the first time?
Their first breakup in 2004 was primarily attributed to the overwhelming media scrutiny and tabloid frenzy surrounding their relationship. In their joint statement postponing the 2003 wedding, they cited “excessive media attention” as the reason the spirit of their special day was being compromised.
3. How many times have Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez been engaged and married?
They have been engaged twice and married once. Affleck proposed in November 2002 and again in April 2022. They married in a Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022 and held a larger wedding celebration in Georgia the following month. Their divorce was finalized in January 2025.
4. Do Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have children together?
No, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez do not have any children together. Affleck shares three children with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner, and Lopez shares twins, Max and Emme, with her ex-husband Marc Anthony.
5. Are Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez still friends after their divorce?
Yes, reports indicate that Affleck and Lopez have settled into an amicable and supportive friendship since their divorce was finalized. Sources say Lopez continues to value Affleck’s counsel and emotional support, and Affleck has publicly praised Lopez as a spectacular person who is wonderful with his children.
