What's Going on with Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck? A Timeline of Their Recent Ups and Downs
Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck in August 2024
After a rocky few months, Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck in August 2024.
"She tried really hard to make things work, and is heartbroken," a source told PEOPLE.
The “On the Floor” singer and Deep Water actor rekindled their romance in 2021 after splitting up in 2004. They eventually got married in a small ceremony in July 2022.
However, in early 2024, it seemed their marriage was on the rocks after they hadn't been seen together for over a month. Sources told PEOPLE in May 2024 that Lopez and Affleck’s marriage was not in the "best place" and that they were living separate lives.
Related: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's Relationship Timeline
From when they were last photographed together to their divorce, here’s a complete timeline of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s ups and downs in their relationship.
February 13, 2024: Jenifer Lopez and Ben Affleck discuss collaborating on This Is Me... Now: A Love Story
In February, Lopez was busy promoting her visual album, This Is Me... Now: A Love Story, an accompaniment to her new album This Is Me…Now. At the premiere, she spoke about how Affleck encouraged her throughout the process, believing in her as she funded the project herself.
“I was like, ‘I don’t write, I don’t do this.’ He was like, ‘You do, you write, you direct, you produce, you choreograph, you do all the things,’ ” she said of their conversation. “‘Start stepping into that, start owning a little bit of who you are.’ ”
February 27, 2024: Ben Affleck spoke about not wanting a “relationship on social media” in Jennifer Lopez’s documentary
In the accompanying documentary, The Greatest Love Story Never Told, which focused on Affleck’s support for Lopez, the Batman actor explained how he didn’t want his relationship playing out in the public eye.
“Getting back together, I said, ‘Listen, one of the things I don’t want is a relationship on social media,’ ” he said. “Then I sort of realized it’s not a fair thing to ask. It’s sort of like, you’re gonna marry a boat captain and you go, ‘Well, I don’t like the water.’ ”
Affleck added that the backbone of their relationship was “compromise.” While he may sometimes be uncomfortable being Lopez’s muse, she said in the documentary that he has still been supportive.
“I don’t think [Ben] is very comfortable with me doing all of this,” Lopez said. “But he loves me, he knows I’m an artist, and he’s gonna support me in every way he can because he knows you can’t stop me from making the music I made … he doesn’t want to stop me. But that doesn’t mean he’s comfortable being the muse.”
March 17, 2024: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck attend an NBA game together
Before disappearing from the public eye, Lopez and Affleck enjoyed a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors in L.A., along with Affleck’s son, Samuel.
The couple cozied up to each other courtside, with Lopez even swinging her leg across Affleck’s lap at one point.
May 16, 2024: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are spotted together for the first time in 47 days
Two weeks after the March basketball game, Affleck and Lopez stepped out for a day together in New York City. However, their March 30 date was the last time the couple were photographed publicly together for 47 days.
Their lack of sightings fueled rumors of tension between the two, especially as Lopez spent solo time in N.Y.C. promoting her Netflix film Atlas and attending the 2024 Met Gala as a co-chair.
The same day that news broke that they hadn't been photographed, Affleck and Lopez were spotted together in L.A. at an event supporting their kids, with both wearing their wedding rings. Photos from the evening showed Affleck picking up Lopez and her child, Emme, after the event.
Though they were seen together, a source told PEOPLE that the couple were not living in the same palce at the moment as Affleck stayed at one of their other properties while filming The Accountant 2. A source close to Lopez also confirmed that the pair “did not celebrate Mother's Day together.”
May 19, 2024: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are seen together again amid reports of tension
Just a few days after they were first spotted, Affleck and Lopez were once again seen in L.A. The pair were photographed in their car and smiled for the cameras as Affleck picked up Lopez outside the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, Calif.
The same day, they were also seen strolling through the West Hollywood area of Los Angeles, near BOA Steakhouse and Soho House. Affleck's wedding ring could be seen on his left hand.
May 20, 2024: A source tells PEOPLE Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s relationship styles “clash”
Amid rumors of tension in their marriage, a source told PEOPLE that Lopez and Affleck's different outlooks on their relationship caused conflict in their union.
"They just have very different approaches when it comes to media attention. Ben hates all attention and it makes him very uncomfortable. Jennifer has always had a different approach," one source said.
Another source in the film industry added that while Affleck has always “been impressed” by Lopez’s work ethic, he struggled with the public aspect of her life.
"Even though he admires that about her, it doesn’t make him happy and causes stress in his life and then in hers. There is no question their different styles clash," the source said.
A third source in the music industry echoed their sentiments, adding that Lopez "needs that expression but Affleck simply is not comfortable with it."
"After a while it causes tension in the relationship," the source said. "He is more introspective and private. She likes to open her heart to her fans and to the world. This makes them considerably different, and it has been difficult in the day-to-day relationship."
"There have always been clashes in their styles, how they handle issues, and their actions, but nothing has stopped their love over the years," they added. "This is a great love story."
May 20, 2024: Jennifer Lopez steps out solo for the premiere of Atlas in Los Angeles
Lopez attended the Atlas premiere in Los Angeles solo, sharing a little bit about her character, a driven data analyst, with PEOPLE.
"We are so different because she's like ... doesn't wear any of her emotions. She's so closed off and I am too much emotion sometimes,” she said. “But at the same time we are both very strong and sure of what they feel. At times.”
She continued, “She was very sure. She was like, 'This is what's happening, please listen to me. Please tell me.' And felt very misunderstood at times. I can also relate to that a bit."
May 20, 2024: Jennifer Lopez mentions Ben Affleck during a late-night show appearance
After the Atlas premiere, Lopez appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and name-dropped Affleck while sharing the story of how she first met Barbra Streisand. She shared that Streisand had commented on her engagement ring “at the time, that Ben had given me years ago” (they were engaged in 2002 before calling it off in 2004).
“'So that's a big diamond,’ ” she said of Streisand’s reply before agreeing, "And I’m like, 'Yes it is.' "
May 21, 2024: Ben Affleck steps out in Santa Monica wearing his wedding ring while Jennifer Lopez promotes her movie Atlas in Mexico
As Lopez took her promotional tour for Atlas to Mexico City, Affleck stayed behind in Santa Monica. The Gone Girl actor was seen out with a group of guy friends with his wedding ring on full display on his left hand.
Meanwhile, Lopez stunned in an all-white flowing gown on the red carpet at the premiere at the Plaza Toreo Parque Central.
May 22, 2024: Jennifer Lopez evades a reporter's question about her "situation" with Ben Affleck
While participating in a press day in Mexico, a reporter interrupted proceedings with a personal question for Lopez.
"Is your divorce with Ben Affleck real? These rumors?" the unidentified reporter asked. "What is the truth? Para le press le Mexicana [for the Mexican press], what is the truth of the situation?"
Lopez's costar, Simu Liu, immediately said, "Okay we're not doing that," while Lopez leaned in and looked directly at the reporter, responding, "You know better than that."
May 30, 2024: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck hold hands while attending his daughter's high school graduation
Lopez joined Affleck and his family to celebrate his daughter Violet's high school graduation. They were also accompanied by Affleck's two younger children, Seraphina and Samuel, as well as Lopez's twins, Emme and Max.
Photos from the event published by The Daily Mail showed the couple holding hands. “She seemed upbeat and engaged,” an onlooker said.
June 2, 2024: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck attend his son's basketball game together
In another public outing supporting Affleck's kids, Lopez was by her husband's side at his son Samuel's basketball game in Santa Monica, Calif. The couple were photographed kissing each other on the cheek as they met up outside the YMCA with Affleck’s mother Chris Anne Boldt.
"It's a good sign they were at the game together," an insider told PEOPLE.
June 8, 2024: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are selling their Beverly Hills mansion
TMZ reported that the couple were listing their Beverly Hills home that they bought together in 2023 amid their marriage strain.
The 38,000 square-foot home is located on five acres of land, and the house has "12 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, a 12-car garage and a pool, plus a sports complex with basketball and pickleball facilities, a gym and a boxing ring," per the Wall Street Journal.
June 11, 2024: A source tells PEOPLE that Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are still on good terms
A few days after Lopez was seen solo at Giorgio Baldi wearing both her wedding and engagement ring, a source confirmed to PEOPLE that the two were still on good terms.
“They’re still friendly and see each other every few days,” the source close to Lopez said.
June 23, 2024: Ben Affleck photographed without his wedding band in Los Angeles
In photos published by the Daily Mail, Affleck was seen without his wedding band when he stepped out for lunch at Tasty Noodle House in Los Angeles with daughter Violet.
Meanwhile, Lopez was vacationing in Italy with friends.
June 28, 2024: Ben Affleck moves his belongings out of the home he shared with Jennifer Lopez
A source told PEOPLE that Affleck took the opportunity to move his belongings out of his shared home with Lopez while she was in Europe. The move took place less than a month after the mansion was put on the market.
“Ben continues to live at the Brentwood rental. He’s been there for about two months now," another source said. "He seems okay. He’s been at his office every day and seems focused on work. He’s also spending time with his kids.”
July 8, 2024: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck spend the Fourth of July weekend apart
A source close to Lopez told PEOPLE that the actress spent time "with family and friends" in the Hamptons in New York over the Independence Day weekend, and "always enjoys" the spot.
Meanwhile, another source told PEOPLE that Affleck spent the weekend in Los Angeles with his three children and in his office.
July 21, 2024: Ben Affleck spotted without his wedding ring as Jennifer Lopez celebrates her birthday without him
On July 21, Affleck was photographed without his wedding ring again while out and about by himself in L.A.
That same weekend, Lopez celebrated her July 24 birthday early with a Bridgerton-themed party in the Hamptons.
August 6, 2024: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are "moving on separately"
A source told PEOPLE that Affleck and Lopez had gone "weeks" without seeing each other.
"They’re moving on separately. Jennifer is trying to find a new home to start fresh," the source said, later adding that she had been "keeping a good attitude" despite the couple's split.
August 11, 2024: Source says Jennifer Lopez spent time with Ben Affleck at his home in Los Angeles
After spending the summer apart, Lopez stopped by Affleck's home in Los Angeles, according to a source. More recently, the actress has been spending a lot of quality time with Affleck's kids.
"Just because she's not with Ben doesn't mean that she doesn't care about his kids," the insider told PEOPLE. "She always cared about them. She spent months looking for the perfect house for their blended family last year. Now when she's back in L.A. she wants to spend quality time with them before school resumes and Violet is off to college."
August 20, 2024: Jennifer Lopez files for divorce from Ben Affleck
Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck on the second anniversary of their Georgia nuptials and listed April 26, 2024, as the date of separation. Sources told TMZ that the couple doesn't have a prenuptial agreement in place.
"She's very disappointed and sad, but Ben hasn't given her any signs that he wants to continue their marriage," an insider told PEOPLE. "He hasn't shown any commitment and interest in making their marriage work. It's gotten to the point that she just needs to look out for herself."
October 9, 2024: Jennifer Lopez says split from Ben Affleck almost took her out "for good"
During a conversation with comedian Nikki Glaser for Interview, Lopez said she doesn't regret filing for divorce from Affleck but admitted that the pain almost broke her.
"That doesn’t mean it didn’t almost take me out for good. It almost did," she said. "But now, on the other side of it, I think to myself, 'F---, that is exactly what I needed. Thank you, god. I’m sorry it took me so long. I’m sorry that you had to do this to me so many times. I should have learned it two or three times ago.' "
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