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Ben Affleck (left) and Jennifer Lopez (right)

Bennifer and Bennifer 2.0[1] are the names given by the media to the high-profile relationship between American actor and filmmaker Ben Affleck and American singer Jennifer Lopez. The pair had a widely publicized 18-month romance from 2002 to 2004, and were engaged to be married. After their breakup, they maintained a friendship. They rekindled their romantic relationship in early 2021 and got married in July 2022.[2] They have starred in two films together, Gigli (2003) and Jersey Girl (2004), and appeared in two music videos together, "Jenny from the Block" (2002) and "Marry Me" (ballad version) (2022).

Initial relationship

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Early stages

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Although they had crossed paths several times before (most notably at the 70th Academy Awards and at the premiere of Armageddon,[3] both in 1998), the first major meeting of Affleck and Lopez took place in late 2001 on the set of their film Gigli[citation needed] while Lopez was still married to Cris Judd. It was rumored by the tabloids that the pair had started an affair due to their friendly and flirty ways, but they both denied these claims, stating that they were strictly just friends.[4][5] After wrapping filming for the movie in March 2002, Affleck had spent a reported $18,000 on a set of half-page advertisements to express the pleasure he had working with Lopez.[6] He had defended his reasoning for doing so, citing that he had been ashamed of his "preconceived notions" of Lopez.[7] Later that April, it was reported that Affleck and Lopez were "cozying up" during the opening of her restaurant Madre's.[8] Lopez and Judd separated that summer[9] and Lopez entered a relationship with Affleck. They were photographed together in July 2002.[10]

Engagement and romance

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Lopez and Affleck's relationship garnered the first couple portmanteau name in Hollywood, "Bennifer".[11] Lopez's single "Jenny From The Block", which featured Affleck in the music video,[12] brought on even more attention to the couple, with Lopez describing it as a tabloid frenzy.[13] After three months of dating, Affleck proposed to Lopez at his mother's home in October 2002[14] with a $1.2m 6.1-carat Harry Winston pink diamond ring.[15][16] Later that month, Affleck and Lopez began filming their second film together, Jersey Girl. Lopez dedicated her 2002 album This Is Me... Then to Affleck, stating that he was "her life and sole inspiration for every lyric.[17] She included songs such as "Baby I Love U!", "I'm Glad" and "Dear Ben", which were about her romance with Affleck.[18][19] On July 18, 2003, Lopez and Affleck had their first primetime interview together on Dateline NBC.[20] On August 1, 2003, Lopez and Affleck's box-office bomb film Gigli released, which is considered one of the worst films in history.[21] After this happened, the media started to portray them in a more negative manner.[22] As Jason Bailey in a piece for the Guardian observed: "it's important to frame this ghastly reception within the atmosphere of the moment. Affleck and Lopez met during the film’s production and quickly became an item – such a public one that, by the time it hit theaters a year later, the “Bennifer” backlash had built up quite a head of steam. They were young, impossibly good-looking, fabulously wealthy, and clearly hot for each other, so it seemed like a good time to knock them down a peg."[23] Lopez had described the experience as overwhelming, and she stated that Affleck hated the attention the pair was getting.[13] The following month, the couple postponed their planned September 2003 wedding just days before it was set to take place due to "excessive media attention".[24]

Breakup

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The pair continued dating for four months before deciding to separate.[25] The former couple's second movie, Jersey Girl, premiered two months later in March 2004, garnering another box-office bomb for the pair.[26] Affleck and Lopez remained in contact in the years after their breakup and spoke highly of each other in public.[27][28][29][30][31] Affleck called out "sexist and racist" critics for comments about Lopez,[32] while Lopez cited the constant media attention as one of the main reasons of their breakup.[33][34] In 2008, Affleck discussed how he felt during his relationship with Lopez, saying that neither of them "anticipated" the degree of attention they would receive, saying: "we fell in love, we were excited and maybe too accessible,"[35] but pushed back against the "curious notion" that he should view the relationship as a mistake, and reflected on the prevailing tabloid culture at the time "where it's about one person and everybody focuses on them."[36] Lopez has seconded Affleck's words, saying that the media coverage destroyed their relationship "from the inside out" and that she felt “eviscerated“ by it.[37][38] In 2014, Lopez expressed that her breakup with Affleck was her "first real heartbreak,"[39][40] and in 2015 she stated she had "no regrets" about their relationship.[41] In early 2021, Affleck praised Lopez for her work ethic, great talent, and success.[42][43]

Aftermath

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Lopez went on to marry singer Marc Anthony five months after Lopez and Affleck split.[44] The following year, in 2005, Affleck married actress Jennifer Garner.

Lopez and Anthony ended their seven-year marriage in 2011, officially divorcing in 2014,[45] while Affleck and Garner officially announced their split in 2015, and their divorce was finalized in 2018.[46]

Rekindled romance

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Affleck and Lopez were photographed together for the first time since their initial romance on May 11, 2021.[47] On May 24, 2021, Lopez and Affleck were spotted at Lopez's rental home in Miami with Affleck wearing the watch Lopez had given him in her 2002 "Jenny From The Block" music video.[48] On June 1, 2021, Affleck and Lopez were photographed holding each other, their first public display of affection in their rekindled romance. On June 14, 2021, photos and videos of Affleck and Lopez kissing were released to the media for the first time in almost two decades, confirming that their romance was back on. Lopez publicly confirmed their rekindled relationship that July, while they were on vacation in France and Italy.[49] On September 10, 2021, the couple had made their red carpet debut for the first time in 18 years for the premiere of Affleck's film The Last Duel during the Venice Film Festival in Italy.[50] Both Affleck and Lopez have spoken of the gift of a second chance with each other since reuniting.[51][52][53] For Valentine's Day, Affleck directed and gifted to Lopez, shared through her OntheJLo Email, a remix of her song "On My Way".[54] He also made his second cameo appearance in an official Lopez music video: "Marry Me" (Ballad Version).[55]

Lopez announced on April 8, 2022, that the pair were engaged again, 20 years after the first proposal.[56][57] The couple married on July 16, 2022, filing their marriage license in Las Vegas.[58][59][60] Lopez legally changed her name to Jennifer Affleck and confirmed the marriage the next day.[61][62] The following month, they held a wedding celebration for family and friends.[63][64]

In June 2024, the couple faced intense scrutiny over the state of their marriage when divorce rumors circulated online.[65]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Laing, Sarah (June 1, 2024). "What's going on with Bennifer 2.0? Jennifer Lopez's tour cancellation amplifies Ben Affleck divorce rumours". Toronto Star. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  2. ^ Caruso, Skyler (October 14, 2022). "Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's Relationship Timeline". People. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  3. ^ "Every time Jennifer Lopez wrote her own style rules in the '90s". Vogue. August 20, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  4. ^ "Jennifer Lopez Denies She Cheated On Cris Judd". popdirt.com. September 30, 2002. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  5. ^ Ben Affleck & J Lo 2003 NBC Interview, retrieved September 4, 2021
  6. ^ Sternbergh, Adam (December 15, 2002). "The Year in Ideas; Flirtation by Full-Page Ad". The New York Times.
  7. ^ "Ben Affleck Splashes His Cash on Ads to Say J Lo's Okay – Hello!". Hello! (magazine). April 2, 2002. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  8. ^ "J. Lo opens Madre's". CNN. April 19, 2002. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  9. ^ "J. Lo goes it alone". CNN. June 18, 2002. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  10. ^ "Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. She is wearing the bracelet Ben..." Getty Images. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  11. ^ Catalan, Julissa (April 27, 2020). "All the Best Celebrity Couple Nicknames". SheKnows. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  12. ^ Jennifer Lopez - Jenny from the Block (Official Video), retrieved September 4, 2021
  13. ^ a b Jennifer Lopez on relationships and tabloids in the 'Bennifer Era', retrieved September 4, 2021
  14. ^ (2002) Primetime Live - Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck Engagement, retrieved September 4, 2021
  15. ^ "Ben Affleck bought $1.2m pink diamond ring to propose Jennifer Lopez". geo.tv. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  16. ^ "Bennifer gives one of the year's Great Performances". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  17. ^ "J-Lo disc declares her love". The Age. November 27, 2002. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  18. ^ "Jennifer Lopez Opens Up About Balancing Her Music, Acting & Love Life (FULL 2016 interview) - speaks about the album and Affleck from 9:29min onwards". YouTube. December 20, 2018. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  19. ^ "Ben Affleck is a good muse - The Boston Globe". The Boston Globe.
  20. ^ "At home with Ben and Jen". NBC News. July 18, 2003. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  21. ^ Gigli, retrieved September 4, 2021
  22. ^ "Hey Santa, what's happening with Bennifer?". TODAY.com. December 23, 2003. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  23. ^ Bailey, Jason (January 25, 2021). "Hear me out: why Gigli isn't a bad movie". Guardian. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  24. ^ "Bennifer Blame Media for Wedding Delay". ABC News. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  25. ^ "Jennifer Lopez dumps Ben Affleck". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  26. ^ "Jersey Girl". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  27. ^ Galloway, Stephen (October 10, 2012). "THR Cover: Confessions of Ben Affleck". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  28. ^ "Jennifer Lopez In 'Marie Claire UK': Talks Her Diet, Exes Affleck & Diddy". HuffPost. July 4, 2010. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  29. ^ "Jennifer Lopez thrilled with Ben Affleck's Argo success". Hollywood.com. January 16, 2013. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
  30. ^ Duboff, Josh (February 25, 2015). "What Did Ben Affleck Whisper in Jennifer Lopez's Ear at the Oscars?". Vanity Fair. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  31. ^ Barnes, Brooks [@brooksbarnesNYT] (February 20, 2020). "On past flame Jennifer Lopez ... "She should have been nominated. She's the real thing. I keep in touch periodically with her and have a lot of respect for her. How awesome is it that she had her biggest hit movie at 50? That's fucking baller."" (Tweet). Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021 – via Twitter.
  32. ^ "Ben Affleck Says Critics Were "So F--king Mean" to Jennifer Lopez During Their Relationship". E!. January 14, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  33. ^ Jennifer Lopez on the 'Bennifer' relationship - The Graham Norton Show preview - BBC One, retrieved September 4, 2021
  34. ^ VH1 Behind the Music, 2010
  35. ^ "Affleck opens up about Lopez split". Irish Examiner. October 28, 2008. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  36. ^ Woods, Sean (October 12, 2012). "Q&A: Ben Affleck on Directing 'Argo' and Surviving Hollywood". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  37. ^ McLean, Bethany (October 31, 2017). "J-Rod! Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez on Love, Beauty, and Redemption". Vanity Fair.
  38. ^ Morris, Alex (February 7, 2022). ""I Just Said, Fuck It": How Jennifer Lopez Broke All the Rules to Get to the Top". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
  39. ^ "Ben Affleck was Jennifer Lopez's 'First Real Heartbreak' | Entertainment Tonight". www.etonline.com. November 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  40. ^ Lopez, Jennifer (2014). True Love. Celebra. ISBN 9780451468680.
  41. ^ Harrison, Lily (January 24, 2015). "Jennifer Lopez Calls... "No. No regrets. I would do it all over again I think. I really would. Even the relationship part. I just feel like everything is part of your story and your journey and is meant to be and helps you grow if you're willing to look at it, and I'm willing to look."". Eonline. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  42. ^ Russian, Ale (January 14, 2021). "Ben Affleck Reflects on Jennifer Lopez Romance: 'People Were So F----- Mean, Sexist, Racist'". People. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  43. ^ "Jennifer Lopez in Her Own Words (and Everyone Else's)". InStyle. April 5, 2021. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  44. ^ "Jennifer Lopez Weds Marc Anthony". people.com. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  45. ^ "Jennifer Lopez Minus Marc Anthony: What Happened?". ABC News. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  46. ^ Respers France, Lisa (April 14, 2017). "Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's friendly divorce". CNN. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  47. ^ "Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's Montana Getaway Was His Idea, Says Source: 'They Wanted to Spend Time Away'". people.com. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  48. ^ "Is Ben Affleck Wearing the Same Watch Jennifer Lopez Gave Him in 2002?". GQ. May 25, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  49. ^ LeGardye, Quinci (July 24, 2021). "J.Lo Goes Instagram-Official With Ben Affleck on Her 52nd Birthday". Harper's Bazaar.
  50. ^ Claire Colbert (September 11, 2021). "Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck return to the red carpet together". CNN. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  51. ^ Hainey, Michael (December 1, 2021). "Ben Affleck on the Gift of Second Chances". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  52. ^ Greenblatt, Leah (January 11, 2022). "Ben Affleck, at the top of his game... "I did get to meet Jennifer, the relationship with whom has been really meaningful to me in my life."". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  53. ^ Leonard, Elizabeth (February 1, 2022). "Jennifer Lopez on Happiness, Marry Me and Her 'Beautiful Love Story' with Ben Affleck in PEOPLE's Love Issue". People Magazine. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  54. ^ Adams, Abigail (February 12, 2022). "Jennifer Lopez Reveals Early Valentine's Day Present from Ben Affleck: 'This Seriously Melted My Heart'". People. Archived from the original on June 6, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  55. ^ Legardye, Quinci (March 22, 2022). "Ben Affleck Has Made A New Appearance in a J.Lo Music Video". Harper Baazar. Archived from the original on March 13, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  56. ^ Brico, Elise (April 9, 2022). "Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are engaged: See her 'lucky color' green shine in the ring". USA Today. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  57. ^ VanHoose, Benjamin (April 12, 2022). "Jennifer Lopez Details Ben Affleck's 'Bubble Bath' Proposal: 'Tears Were Coming Down My Face'". People. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
  58. ^ Garcia, Thania (July 17, 2022). "Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Get Married in Las Vegas". Variety. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
  59. ^ Heller, Corinne (July 18, 2022). "Jennifer Lopez Shares First Photos From Wedding to Ben Affleck: "We Did It"". EOnline. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  60. ^ Tracy, Brianne (July 20, 2022). "Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's Minister Says Their Love Was 'Real and Evident' During Ceremony". People. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
  61. ^ Overhultz, Lauryn (July 19, 2022). "Jennifer Lopez has been planning to change her name to 'Affleck' since 2003". Fox News. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  62. ^ Wright, Tracy (July 17, 2022). "Jennifer Lopez legally changing last name in marriage license filing with Ben Affleck". Fox News. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
  63. ^ "Why Jennifer Lopez Had Marc Cohn Surprise Ben Affleck with This Song at Their Wedding Celebration". People. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  64. ^ VanHoose, Benjamin (September 13, 2022). "Ben Affleck Wrote a '12-Page Speech' for Vows to Jennifer Lopez, Kevin Smith Says: 'Very Inspiring'". People. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  65. ^ Batey, Eve (June 9, 2024). "Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are Selling Their $60 Million Family Home". Vanity Fair. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
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