In a surprising turn of events, Jennifer Lopez has officially filed for divorce from Ben Affleck after two years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for their separation.
The 55-year-old singer and actress submitted her divorce papers on August 20, coinciding with the couple’s second wedding anniversary, a move that many believe was deliberate.
Sources close to Lopez suggest that she felt humiliated by Affleck and wanted the timing to have a significant emotional impact.
An insider mentioned that Lopez had been contemplating this decision for quite some time and deliberately chose their anniversary date to make a statement.
However, it seems that Affleck was unfazed by the timing, as he reportedly allowed her to take the lead in this breakup to avoid being painted as the villain.
Further insights reveal that the divorce announcement was not just a personal decision but also a symbolic gesture aimed at Affleck.
Another source shared with Us Weekly that the timing of the split served as a pointed message to him, indicating that Lopez was done with the relationship long before the official filing.
Interestingly, Lopez marked the date of separation as April 26, 2024, and has waived her right to spousal support while requesting that Affleck be removed from her last name.
This indicates a desire to move forward independently and shed any remnants of their marriage.
On the day of the separation, Lopez was busy preparing to co-host the illustrious Met Gala in New York City, further emphasizing her commitment to her career amidst personal turmoil.
The couple’s relationship had already shown signs of strain, as Affleck moved out of their lavish $60 million home shortly after the split, opting for a rental property instead.
He has since purchased a new home valued at $20.5 million and is in the process of selling their joint property.
The couple’s recent history paints a picture of growing apart, as they did not spend significant milestones together, including Lopez’s 55th birthday and their second wedding anniversary in July.
While Affleck celebrated his 52nd birthday with Lopez, she later attended a Bruno Mars concert, dancing to the song “Marry Me” without him, which seemed to highlight their disconnect.
Lopez and Affleck’s romance first blossomed in 2002, but their initial engagement ended in 2004.
Fast forward two decades, and they rekindled their love, tying the knot in a small Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022, followed by a grand celebration at Affleck’s estate in Georgia a month later.
Reflecting on their second chance at love, Lopez previously expressed a sense of maturity and understanding that comes with age.
She noted how both she and Affleck had gained valuable life experiences and had to consider their children in their relationship dynamics.
The couple shares children from previous marriages, with Affleck having three kids with ex-wife Jennifer Garner and Lopez being a mother to twins with ex-husband Marc Anthony.
As the dust settles on this high-profile split, it’s evident that both Lopez and Affleck are navigating their separate paths, grounded in their respective responsibilities as parents.
While their love story had its fair share of ups and downs, it seems they are now focusing on what truly matters—family and personal growth.
