In 2022, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s revived romance quickly turned into a high-profile engagement and two weddings, sparking widespread fascination.

Known as “Bennifer,” their reunion after years apart captured the public’s imagination. However, beneath their seemingly perfect facade, signs of trouble were emerging.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are seen leaving Hôtel de Crillon on July 23, 2022 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images

The early signs of discord were subtle but became increasingly apparent. Public arguments and tense outings started to draw attention, leaving some fans disheartened and others feeling vindicated.

Is the Second Time the Charm?

Lopez and Affleck’s renewed relationship, nearly two decades after their first engagement, felt like a Hollywood fairy tale. Their 2021 reunion evoked nostalgia and hope among fans who had followed their journey since the early 2000s. The couple’s rapid engagement in April 2022 and their two weddings—one private ceremony in Las Vegas and a more elaborate celebration in Georgia—seemed to mark a fairytale conclusion.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck on September 26, 2021 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Despite the grand celebrations, the reality of their relationship soon began to show cracks. The initial signs of trouble were visible as the couple’s public interactions became increasingly strained.

First Sign: The Car Door Incident

In May 2023, a seemingly minor event—a car door slam—revealed tension between Lopez and Affleck. Affleck, appearing visibly stressed, slammed the car door after opening it for Lopez, which shocked fans and led to speculation about their relationship’s stability.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck share a kiss on their wedding day, posted in August 2023 | Source: Instagram/jlo

Second Sign: The Awkward Red Carpet Moment

Later that month, their tense interaction at the premiere of Lopez’s film “The Mother” was captured on video. Lopez appeared frustrated while trying to direct Affleck for the cameras, and their strained exchange was noted by observers, fueling rumors about their troubled marriage.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the "Daredevil" premiere in Los Angeles on February 9, 2003 | Source: Getty Images

Third Sign: The Grammy Awards Incident

At the February 2023 Grammy Awards, a tense moment between the couple was caught on camera. Lopez’s sharp reaction to Affleck’s comment and his subsequent discomfort highlighted ongoing issues. The contrast between Affleck’s demeanor with Lopez and his more relaxed interaction with others raised further questions about their relationship.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez spotted out in New York on March 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Fourth Sign: The Somber McDonald’s Trips

In October 2023, the couple’s repeated visits to McDonald’s, especially given Lopez’s known dietary habits, were surprising and indicative of underlying issues. Lopez’s visible displeasure and Affleck’s pensive demeanor during these outings drew public concern about their relationship.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the "Marry Me" screening in Los Angeles on February 8, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

The Climax: The Inevitable End

On August 20, 2024—exactly two years after their lavish Georgia wedding—Lopez filed for divorce, marking the end of their high-profile marriage. The decision to file on this specific date was seen as a symbolic closure to a relationship that once seemed destined for a fairytale ending but ultimately succumbed to the pressures of public scrutiny.

The lack of a prenuptial agreement meant that the division of their assets would be governed by community property laws, further complicating the dissolution of their marriage. The end of Lopez and Affleck’s relationship, marked by various tell-tale signs of strain, reflects the challenges of maintaining a high-profile relationship in the public eye.

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