Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's marriage took a sharp turn as sources reveal that their Europe trip a few years ago exposed deep cracks in their relationship.
According to an August 2024 Page Six report, Ben Affleck and Jennifer "JLo" Lopez's honeymoon in Italy marked the beginning of their marital struggles, as Ben struggled with the intense media attention and the demands of his wife's high-profile lifestyle.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez attend the screening of The Last Duel at the Venice Film Festival on September 10, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
The couple's honeymoon in Lake Como in 2022 seemed glamorous on the surface. However, behind the scenes, Ben was uncomfortable with the constant paparazzi presence.
Ben Affleck walks as two men film him in Los Angeles on May 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
A source reportedly said that Ben "was unhappy with paparazzi following them. She is an international superstar, and he acted like it came as a surprise that they would be followed around."
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were spotted strolling through the streets of Italy during their honeymoon, posted on August 26, 2022 | Source: YouTube/x17online
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez walk up to a restaurant in Lake Como, Italy, as posted on August 24, 2022 | Source: YouTube/TMZ
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck sit inside a restaurant facing the lake in Lake Como, Italy, posted on August 24, 2022 | Source: YouTube/TMZ
Privately, the couple's relationship was already strained, despite their public displays of affection. Insiders shared with Page Six that they "would barely speak to each other during what was supposed to be the happiest time of their life." Ben had assured JLo that he was a changed man, but as the source noted, "that lasted a very short time."
Jennifer Lopez in Los Angeles, California, on December 11, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Ben's sobriety was a major factor in the couple's issues. After entering rehab in 2018 for alcohol addiction, he was in a fragile state when he and JLo reconnected. As he settled into his sober life, the initial excitement of their reunion began to fade.
Ben Affleck appears serious while posing with Jennifer Lopez at the "Marry Me" screening in Los Angeles on February 8, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
An insider explained, "He was in a vulnerable state, and whatever their chemistry played into that [sic]." As Ben's sobriety stabilized, he began craving more privacy, which conflicted with JLo's fame-filled life. "He doesn't want [the entourage] and all the drama that comes with that in his home," the source added.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France on July 26, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Despite these struggles, Ben reportedly delayed filing for divorce to protect JLo's feelings, with the Page Six sources describing him as "very protective of her."
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck in New York City on November 25, 2022 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
However, as their relationship continued to deteriorate, JLo was left feeling "furious." One source added, "He has humiliated her. He was the one who initiated getting back together … She made a big deal that he was the love of her life."
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck in Los Angeles on December 15, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Amid their private turmoil, the couple maintained a public front during their honeymoon. A People article from August 2022 described their time in Milan, where they shopped and dined together. Eyewitnesses noted that the pair seemed "attentive only to each other" and acted "down to earth."
Jennifer Lopez waves to the crowd during her honeymoon in Italy, as seen in a video posted on August 26, 2022 | Source: YouTube/x17online
Ben Affleck makes his way to the car as the public takes pictures of him and Jennifer Lopez during their honeymoon in Italy, posted on August 26, 2022 | Source: YouTube/x17online
Earlier, during a romantic dinner in Paris, Ben was spotted in tears, according to TMZ in July 2022. The emotional moment happened on JLo's 53rd birthday, with her seen comforting him. The reason for his tears is unclear, but it showed they were facing emotional challenges.
The couple's reported tensions during their honeymoon in Italy resurfaced after JLo recently filed for divorce from Ben. She submitted the paperwork to the Los Angeles County Superior Court exactly two years after their second wedding ceremony.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were seen walking a bit apart from each other in New York City on March 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
According to TMZ, the couple's separation date is listed as April 26, 2024, and further details offer a fresh perspective on their unexpected split.
JLo's Divorce Filing Comes on the Anniversary of Their Georgia Wedding
JLo reportedly filed for divorce on August 20, the same day as their Georgia wedding anniversary, adding a bittersweet note to their split. The couple rekindled their romance in 2021 and got engaged in April 2022.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the "Marry Me" screening in Los Angeles on February 8, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
After getting engaged, they had a surprise Las Vegas wedding on July 16, 2022. A month later, they celebrated with a larger ceremony at Ben's Georgia estate. In her On the JLo newsletter, JLo reportedly described the day as "full-circle" and "better" than expected.
The ceremony was personal, with the couple walking down the aisle to "True Companion" by Marc Cohn. JLo wore three custom wedding dresses: a turtleneck gown, a mermaid silhouette, and a chandelier pearl gown, which she called "dreamy."
JLo Filed the Divorce Documents Herself
In a surprising move, JLo filed the divorce documents without a lawyer. This approach, known as filing "pro per," suggests she wants to handle the process independently. She also waived her right to spousal support and asked that the court deny Ben any support as well.
Jennifer Lopez at Paris Fashion Week on June 24, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez Have No Prenuptial Agreement
TMZ also reported that the divorce documents show JLo and Ben did not have a prenuptial agreement. Despite their previous marriages and significant wealth, they didn't protect their finances. As a result, any earnings or profits made during their nearly two years of marriage will be treated as community property.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck in New York City on September 26, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Bennifer Are Still Hashing Out the Sale of Their Marital Home
Although JLo has filed for divorce, their financial settlement remains unresolved. The couple's Beverly Hills home is on the market, but negotiations have reportedly become tense. JLo and Ben are searching for new homes, signaling the end of their shared life together.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck in Los Angeles on April 26, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
JLo and Ben first became a media sensation in the early 2000s when their relationship, known as "Bennifer," grabbed headlines. They got engaged and starred together in "Gigli" (2003) and "Jersey Girl" (2004), but their romance ended before "Jersey Girl" was released.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the "Daredevil" premiere in Los Angeles on February 9, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Over the next 20 years, both married other people—JLo with Marc Anthony and Ben with Jennifer Garner—but they reunited three years ago. Since then, they often appeared together at public events, promoting each other's projects. Ben even appeared in JLo's Amazon Prime Video special, "This Is Me … Now: A Love Story."
JLo's latest album, "This Is Me … Now," revisits themes from her 2002 album, "This Is Me … Then," which was inspired by her first relationship with Ben Fans followed their love story through JLo's social media and newsletter updates.
However, in May, JLo unexpectedly canceled her summer tour, saying she needed time with her family—a decision that hinted at the couple's split and eventual divorce.
The divorce came after JLo grabbed attention by attending a Bruno Mars concert in Los Angeles on Ben's birthday, August 15. This sparked online debate about whether she was masking her true feelings amid the couple's marital woes
A netizen's remark on Jennifer Lopez attending a concert, posted in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
A video shared on Instagram by artist Tetris showed JLo, dressed in a white sleeveless top and jeans, dancing energetically—swaying her head and raising her hands as she moved her body from left to right—to the song "Marry You."
Jennifer Lopez holds her head high as she dances along to Bruno Mars' song "Marry You" at his concert in Los Angeles, California, posted in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
Jennifer Lopez dances with her hand up to the song "Marry You" at Bruno Mars's concert in Los Angeles, California, posted in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
Jennifer Lopez sings and dances to the song "Marry You" at Bruno Mars's concert in Los Angeles, California, in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
Although JLo appeared to be enjoying herself, the clip quickly attracted attention, with netizens questioning the authenticity of her emotional state. A user observed that she was "Trying too hard to look happy."
Jennifer Lopez closes her eyes as she listens to "Marry You" at Bruno Mars's concert in Los Angeles, California, in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
Another critic pointed out, "She knew that she will be videotaped. This is too hard seeking attention, even for JLo [sic]," while another added, "55 acting like she's 25. 🙄🙄"
Someone else speculated that JLo's behavior might have contributed to her and Ben's marital woes, "Calm down Jen. It doesn't always have to be a show… That may be the reason for your relationship demise 🤷♀️." Not everyone was critical, though.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez in New York City on March 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Some fans defended JLo, saying she was just enjoying her single life. One fan noted that she looked like anyone else who loves music and suggested that Ben not being musically inclined, might not have enjoyed attending concerts with her.
Jennifer Lopez places her hand on her forehead at her "Brave" album release party in New York City on October 8, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Supporters encouraged JLo to live life on her own terms, expressing happiness that she was enjoying herself. One fan urged her to "be happy" with or without Ben, while another praised her for dancing and having fun.
Jennifer Lopez as a guest for a dance battle on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on March 1, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Another fan celebrated JLo's happiness, stating that life goes on and that she has plenty to celebrate without being defined by a man.
A netizen's comment on Jennifer Lopez attending a Bruno Mars concert, posted in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight
JLo further fueled the online conversation by sharing photos and videos from the concert on her Twitter account. In one post, she posed with two companions, wearing large sunglasses and flashy jewelry, including a necklace with her name as a pendant.
Jennifer Lopez enjoying Bruno Mars' concert in Los Angeles, California, posted on August 17, 2024 |Source: x.com/JLo
Jennifer Lopez sports large sunglasses as she poses with two companions, posted on August 17, 2024 | Source: x.com/JLo
The actress also shared a video explaining to her social media followers how she drinks from a bottle. "See how I do this when I drink from the bottle, very demure," she playfully said before taking a sip. "Very mindful," she added.
Jennifer Lopez shows her social media followers how she drinks from the bottle, posted on August 17, 2024 | Source: x.com/JLo
Jennifer Lopez shows her social media followers how she drinks from the bottle, posted on August 17, 2024 | Source: x.com/JLo
Jennifer Lopez says she is "mindful" of how she drinks from the bottle, posted on August 17, 2024 | Source: x.com/JLo
She also explained that she doesn't chug her drink all at once but prefers to take small sips. "Just little. Little by little. Very elegant. Swelling it. Demure. Mindful [sic]," she shared, before walking off-camera.
Jennifer Lopez says she does not chug when drinking from the bottle, posted on August 17, 2024 | Source: x.com/JLo
Jennifer shows how she reacts when she chugs the bottle, posted on August 17, 2024 | Source: x.com/JLo
Jennifer Lopez says she sips from the bottle "little by little," posted on August 17, 2024 | Source: x.com/JLo
Despite the buzz surrounding her concert appearance, JLo did make time to visit Ben on his 52nd birthday. She was seen leaving his rental home in Brentwood earlier that day, dressed casually in a brown jacket, blue jeans, and sneakers. She quietly exited the house and climbed into a large black vehicle.
Meanwhile, Ben's ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, had also visited his rental home just hours earlier. She left in a sleek BMW, wearing a striped white T-shirt, navy trousers, and glasses, along with simple jewelry, including silver earrings and an Apple Watch.
Jennifer and Ben, who divorced in 2018, continue to co-parent their children—Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12—with a mature and friendly relationship.
Ben and Jennifer Lopez's marriage struggled early on, with their honeymoon revealing serious issues. Despite showing unity in public, JLo’s decision to file for divorce reflected the personal challenges behind their high-profile lives.
