In a surprising twist, the lavish Beverly Hills mansion that Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck called home has been revealed as a significant point of contention in their relationship.
Purchased for a staggering $60.8 million in May 2023, the couple listed the property for sale just over a year later, shortly before Lopez filed for divorce.
Sources close to the pair indicate that the home was primarily Affleck’s idea, and it represented a major compromise for Lopez.
While the mansion boasts an impressive 38,000 square feet, complete with 12 bedrooms and 24 bathrooms, it appears that Lopez never fully embraced the ultra-modern style of the house.
Instead, her preferences lean towards a more romantic, Spanish, and European aesthetic.
Despite this mismatch in taste, Lopez agreed to the purchase due to the spacious layout, which accommodated both of their families.
The home features amenities like a gym, a pickleball court, and two private entrances, making it a practical choice for their blended family.
Affleck, 52, shares three children—Violet, 18, Serafina, 15, and Samuel, 12—with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner.
Meanwhile, Lopez, 55, has twins Max and Em, 16, from her previous marriage to Marc Anthony.
The mansion seemed like a perfect fit for their large families, but it came with its challenges.
A source revealed that Affleck often struggled with the location, as it required navigating heavy traffic to reach Brentwood, where his children live.
This inconvenience added to the strain on their relationship.
As the couple’s separation became more apparent, Lopez began searching for a new home in Los Angeles around April, coinciding with the timeline of her divorce filing.
Reports suggest that she has been shown various properties but has yet to find one that feels right.
Interestingly, the couple initially attempted to sell their mansion off-market, a common strategy in the high-end real estate market, before opting for a public listing.
After their split, Affleck quickly moved on and purchased a new five-bedroom property for $20.5 million.
This new home is described as family-friendly yet easily convertible into a bachelor pad, indicating his desire for a fresh start.
Located in a neighborhood frequented by entertainment industry elites, Affleck’s new residence reflects a sophisticated lifestyle.
The couple’s divorce has raised questions about their financial arrangements, particularly since they reportedly did not sign a prenuptial agreement.
As the proceedings unfold, there are significant assets at stake, and both parties are likely to face challenges in dividing their shared wealth.
Lopez filed for divorce on August 20, 2024, coinciding with the second anniversary of their traditional wedding ceremony in Georgia.
Following the filing, sources indicated that Lopez felt heartbroken and exhausted from trying to make the marriage work.
The couple’s children remain a top priority for both parents, emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting despite the dissolution of their marriage.
On the professional front, Lopez is set to attend the Toronto International Film Festival to promote her upcoming film, “Unstoppable,” which premieres on September 6.
Affleck, who produced the film alongside his longtime friend Matt Damon, is expected to skip the red carpet, further indicating the growing distance between the former couple.
As the dust settles from their high-profile relationship, both Lopez and Affleck navigate their new realities, focusing on their careers and families.
Their story serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise even in seemingly picture-perfect unions.
With each step forward, they continue to redefine their lives apart while maintaining a commitment to their children.
