Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s relationship timeline: Early days to divorce

For a second time, Bennifer is formally over. 

Singer Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from actor Ben Affleck on Tuesday after roughly two years of marriage. Their on-again, off-again relationship spans 20 years, lengthy sufficient to spark nostalgia for some who got here of age with the popular culture icons throughout their first romantic go-around. 

Between their first relationship within the early 2000s and getting married in Las Vegas in 2022, each Lopez and Affleck had different marriages, youngsters and profession milestones. 

Here’s a full timeline on how Bennifer got here to be, broke up, acquired again collectively and broke up (once more).

2001-2002: Assembly on set

Affleck and Lopez linked on the set of “Gigli.” Whereas filming the film, Lopez was married to her second husband, Cris Judd. 

Affleck later advised Vainness Truthful in 2003 that their relationship was rooted in a robust friendship that they developed as co-stars.

“Once I met her we turned actually, actually, actually good pals,” he advised the publication. “However at first, as a result of she was married, there was no considered a romantic relationship, in order that created the chance to get to know one another with none of the falseness that goes with courtship since you’re attempting to make impression. I didn’t attempt to change something about myself, and he or she didn’t both. We turned actually good pals in a approach that was very comfy.”

Summer season 2002: The ‘Bennifer’ period begins

Lopez filed for divorce from Judd in July 2002.

That summer season, paparazzi noticed Lopez and Affleck getting romantic at a celebration for the singer. It’s round this time they’re believed to have began relationship. 

November 2002: ‘Jenny from the Block’ launch and engagement information

The music video for J.Lo’s hit tune prominently featured Affleck, who’s seen climbing out of automobiles, consuming meals and hanging out with the singer.

The video was shot as if the 2 had been being photographed by paparazzi. In a single scene, which turned enshrined in popular culture historical past, Affleck is seen kissing Lopez’s rear finish whereas the pair lounge on a yacht.

ABC Information reported that month that the couple had additionally gotten engaged. Affleck proposed to Lopez with a custom-made, six-carat pink diamond engagement ring from Harry Winston, in line with PEOPLE. 

August 2003: ‘Gigli’ bombs on the field workplace

“Gigli” turned a field workplace catastrophe, making simply $7.2 million worldwide. Rumors started to swirl that Bennifer’s romance was additionally in its flop period.

September 2003: Couple postpones wedding ceremony

Simply earlier than they had been set to say “I do,” the couple launched an announcement saying they had been suspending their nuptials. 

“Because of the extreme media consideration surrounding our wedding ceremony, we’ve determined to postpone the date,” the couple stated in a joint assertion on the time, in line with CBS Information. “After we discovered ourselves significantly considering hiring three separate ‘decoy brides’ at three totally different places, we realized that one thing was awry. We started to really feel that the spirit of what ought to have been the happiest day of our lives may very well be compromised. We felt what ought to have been a joyful and sacred day may very well be spoiled for us, our households, and our pals.”

January 2004: Lopez confirms couple’s cut up

Lopez’s spokesperson confirmed that the couple had cut up.

“I’m confirming the experiences that Jennifer Lopez has ended her engagement to Ben Affleck,” a consultant for Lopez advised The Related Press. “At this troublesome time, we ask that you simply respect her privateness.”

2004 to 2021: Dwelling separate lives

Through the summer season of 2004, Lopez married singer Marc Anthony, who she had beforehand dated in 1999. Lopez gave delivery to twins, Emme Maribel Muñiz and Maximilian David Muñiz, in 2008.

In 2011, Anthony and Lopez introduced they had been separating. Anthony filed for divorce from Lopez in April 2012, citing “irreconcilable variations,” reported E! Information. Their divorce was finalized in June 2014.