In May 2021, the entire internet collectively lost it over a reunion between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. After a much-publicized relationship in the early 2000s (who could forget that pink diamond ring?), the two went their separate ways, including marriages and children on both sides over the next decade. However, after two divorces, a breakup, and a broken-off engagement, the former couple was spotted “hanging out” in May 2021, sparking rumors across the internet. Those rumors (and their rekindled romance) were officially confirmed when Affleck proposed on April 8, 2022; three months later, they tied the knot in a spontaneous ceremony in Las Vegas and followed up their nuptials with a lavish celebration on August 20, 2022. Their reunion, however, was short lived. Exactly two years after that second party, Lopez independently filed for divorce, noting that she and Ben had been separated since April. Ahead, we’re looking back at this iconic celebrity couple’s first and second acts: Here is a complete timeline of Affleck and Lopez’s relationship.
- The couple first met in 2001 on the set of the movie Gigli.
- Affleck proposed in November of 2002 with 6.1-carat pink diamond ring.
- In September 2003, they called off their wedding before confirming a split at the beginning of 2004.
- In May 2021, after they’d both ended their respective relationships, the two stars were spotted hanging out again.
- After rekindling their romance, Affleck proposed again on April 8, 2022.
- The pair finally made it down the aisle on July 17, 2022, with a spontaneous wedding in Las Vegas. One month later, the pair hosted a second wedding for friends and family to attend.
- Exactly two years after the duo’s larger celebration on August 20, 2022, Lopez filed for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court—without a lawyer—on August 20, 2024, marking the end of her and Affleck’s marriage.
December 2001: A Meet Cute On the Set of Gigli
Affleck and Lopez met while on set filming the 2003 movie Gigli, about a couple of assassins on a kidnapping mission who ended up falling for each other. While the movie may have eventually bombed at the box office, the two co-stars found romance off-screen and gifted us with “Bennifer.”
September 2002: The Couple Collaborates on Another Movie
In 2002, the duo caused a stir by signing on to collaborate on another movie, the 2004 film Jersey Girl. They had just wrapped up a previous project, Gigli, so the second move deal immediately sparked relationship rumors. Lopez was still married to Chris Judd at the time; they didn’t go public with their relationship until her divorce was finalized in 2003.
November 2002: A Hollywood Engagement
In November of 2003, Affleck proposed to Lopez with a pink diamond, which Affleck had custom-made by Harry Winston. The singer told Diane Sawyer that the proposal was “traditional, but also in a very spectacular way, as of course, Ben would do it.” She also added that her fiance was “brilliantly smart, loving, charming, and affectionate.”
This same month, the couple appeared together in Lopez’s iconic video for her smash hit “Jenny From the Block.”
November 2002: J.Lo’s Ring Starts A Trend
Lopez’s engagement ring became a media fixation and cultural phenom for its unique color, inspiring brides for years to come. A 6.1-carat, radiant-cut, pink diamond, the setting is credited for starting the colored diamond trend and increasing the value of pink diamonds. The engagement ring reportedly cost $2.5 million at the time.
July 2003: The Gigli Premiere
The fiancés attended the premiere for their movie Gigli together. Lopez stunned, as always, in a plunging dress with a corset-like midsection.
September 2003: They Call Off Their Wedding
Just days before the couple was set to walk down the aisle, the two decide to postpone their wedding, announcing the news in a joint statement.
“Due to the excessive media attention surrounding our wedding, we have decided to postpone the date,” it read. “When we found ourselves seriously contemplating hiring three separate ‘decoy brides’ at three different locations, we realized that something was awry. We began to feel that the spirit of what should have been the happiest day of our lives could be compromised. We felt what should have been a joyful and sacred day could be spoiled for us, our families, and our friends.”
January 2004: It’s Over
At the beginning of 2004, Lopez and Affleck officially call off their engagement for good. The couple verified the split with a statement from Lopez’s rep. “I am confirming the report that Jennifer Lopez has ended her engagement to Ben Affleck. At this difficult time, we ask that you respect her privacy,” the statement read.
February 2020: Ben Says J.Lo Deserved an Oscar Nomination
Roughly 16 years after their split, Affleck had nothing but nice things to say about Lopez and her performance in Hustler—for which she was snubbed at the Oscars. He told the New York Times during a feature that she should have been nominated.
“She should have been nominated,” he said. “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 f***ing baller.”
January 2021: Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas Split
After almost a year together, Ben Aflleck and Ana de Armas called it quits. The actors met in early 2020 on the set of Deep Water in New Orleans and were frequently spotted together during the quarantine period in Los Angeles. The Knives Out actress confirmed their relationship on Instagramin April 2020 when she shared photos for her 32nd birthday. However, in January 2021, they officially ended things according to People.
April 2021: Jennifer and Arod Officially Call It Quits
After a month of “working on some things,” Lopez and Alex Rodriguez officially called off their engagement. The couple announced their split in a statement shared with People.
“We have realized we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so. We will continue to work together and support each other on our shared businesses and projects. We wish the best for each other, and one another’s children. Out of respect for them, the only other comment we have is to say is thank you to everyone who has sent kind words and support,” the statement read.
May 2021: The Former Couple Remains Friends
InStyle‘s May 2021 Cover story included quotes from many of Lopez’s friends—Affleck included. Her former fiancé gushed to the publication saying, “She remains, to this day, the hardest-working person I’ve come across in this business. She has great talent, but she has also worked very hard for her success, and I’m so happy for her that she seems, at long last, to be getting the credit she deserves.”
May 2021: A Bennifer Reunion
After Lopez’s split from Rodriguez, Affleck was spotted getting in and out of a white Escalade, allegedly belonging to the singer. Sources told People that the pair were just friends but that they’d hung out several times and planned to keep hanging out.
Things took a romantic turn when emails from Affleck surfaced; then, the two were spotted on a trip to Montana alone. A source told E! that Lopez “wants to give it a shot with Ben.” Reportedly, “they never really had closure, and she has always wondered what could have been. The timing was never right, and they were in different places until now.”
“She finally has had the opportunity to spend time with him and see where this could lead,” the source continued. “They are very comfortable together, and it’s easy. She wants to keep seeing him and is very happy.”
May 10, 2021: The Montana Trip
TMZ reported on May 10 that the friendly exes both stayed at Montana’s Big Sky Resort for a weekend and were spotted driving around together. They even flew from Los Angeles to Bozeman and back together. According to E! News, “It’s natural between them, and the chemistry is unreal.” Neither star has yet to confirm the relationship, but considering their history, this reunion is one to watch.
May 22, 2021: Welcome to Miami
The weekend of May 22, Affleck was spotted in Miami visiting Lopez at one of her private residences. The pair reportedly looked ridiculously happy. They were photographed outside of Lopez’s house, and the actress and singer can be seen with a huge grin spread across her face.
A source told E! News that “Ben took a red-eye to Miami and went straight to J.Lo’s new house in the early morning hours. She looked pleased to see him, and they walked around the property together so she could show him around.”
They continued, “She had a big smile on her face and was twirling in a loose summer dress. They spent the day inside together but came out a few times for fresh air and to admire the water view.” A witness added that Affleck smoked a cigarette while the multi-hyphenate took some selfies on her balcony.
June 24, 2021: Instagram Official
It looks like Lopez and Affleck are Instagram official! The singer celebrated her birthday by posting a series of yachting photos, including one steamy shot of the couple kissing in the sun. Lopez captioned the photos with “52 … what it do.” Although she didn’t tag her rumored love, it’s clear the couple is going strong again more than 20 years after their first meeting.
February 8, 2022: Date Night on the Red Carpet
Marry Me, indeed! Jennifer and Ben had us hearing wedding bells when they packed on the PDA at the premiere of Lopez’s new rom-com on February 8. All eyes were on Bennifer as they walked the red carpet together, with Affleck looking dapper in a dark suit and Lopez stunning in an actual wedding gown! The actress wore a short white babydoll dress with long lace sleeves from Giambattista Valli. She paired the look with strappy sequin heels and a gold clutch with floral appliqué.
The couple was all smiles as they cuddled up on the carpet, with Affleck sweetly planting a kiss on Jennifer’s head in one photo. Lopez also spoke with ET Online at the premiere to share how happy the pair is about their blossoming relationship. “It’s a great date night. We’re super happy,” she told the publication. “What can I tell you? We’re just having a good time.”
April 8, 2022: Jennifer and Ben Are Engaged
On April 8, 2022, a rep confirmed to People that Lopez and Affleck were engaged. Rumors stirred when Jennifer was spotted wearing a green ring on her ring finger earlier in the week. In addition to having her team confirm the news, the star teased the exciting news on a video on her Twitter, encouraging fans to follow her On the JLo newsletter to learn more of the engagement.
July 17, 2022: A Long-Awaited Wedding
The Marry Me actress and the Good Will Hunting star officially became newlyweds. Lopez and Affleck tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at The Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas at 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 17, 2022. The singer-turned-actress shared all of the details in her newsletter, “On the JLo.” “We did it,” Lopez writes in her newsletter. “Love is beautiful. Love is kind. And it turns out, love is patient. Twenty years patient. Exactly what we wanted.”
After obtaining their marriage license from Clark County, Nevada, the duo snapped photos in a pink Cadillac convertible. Lopez waltzed down the aisle in an A-line dress, which she actually sourced from her own closet. Affleck also tapped his wardrobe for the white tuxedo he wore. Once they swapped vows and exchanged rings, the couple celebrated their newlywed status. To commemorate the occasion, Lopez changed into a Zuhair Murad off-the-shoulder lace gown.
“They were right when they said, ‘All you need is love,’” her newsletter reads. “We are so grateful to have that in abundance, a new wonderful family of five amazing children, and a life that we have never had more reason to look forward to.”
August 20, 2022: Nuptials Number Two
One month after they said “I do,” Lopez and Affleck hosted another wedding. On August, 20, 2022, the newlyweds celebrated their marriage once again—but this time in Georgia in front of their friends and family. The wedding at Affleck’s 87-acre property was a star-studded affair with Matt Damon, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, and Patrick Whitesell in attendance, according to People. Jay Shetty also officiated the ceremony, which took place in a tree-lined tent. After reciting their vows, the couple celebrated with a waterfront dinner and plenty of fireworks.
For the occasion, Lopez wore a Ralph Lauren gown with cap sleeves, an open back, and a ruffled train. Meanwhile, Affleck donned a white tuxedo jacket, black trousers, and a classic bow tie.
August 2022: A Honeymoon for the Books
After tying the knot, Lopez and Affleck jetted off to Italy for their honeymoon. The Second Act star and the Argo actor were spotted enjoying a romantic dinner at a historic hotel in Lake Como. The following day, they made a stop at the lakeside town of Menaggio. “They just queued up for ice cream like everyone else and wandered into shops,” a source tells People. Other fans saw them shopping in Milan as well.
November 8, 2022: Officially Mrs. Affleck
In an interview with Vogue, Lopez revealed that she took her husband’s last name. “We’re husband and wife,” she says. “I’m proud of that. I don’t think that’s a problem.” Lopez explains that she chose to become “Mrs. Affleck” because she likes the romantic meaning behind the tradition. “I’m very much in control of my life and destiny and feel empowered as a woman and as a person,” she notes. “I can understand that people have feelings about it, and that’s okay too, but if you want to know how I feel about it, I just feel like it’s romantic. It still carries tradition and romance to me, and maybe I’m just that kind of girl.”
August 20, 2024: Lopez Files for Divorce
Lopez and Affleck’s rekindled romance is officially over. Exactly two years after the couple’s lavish wedding celebration in Georgia, Lopez independently appeared in Los Angeles County Superior Court on August 20, 2024, to file for divorce; in her documentation, she noted that the couple has been separated since April 2024. She went to court without a lawyer—and the jury is out on whether or not she and Affleck had a prenuptial agreement (a source close to the couple says no, per TMZ). According to People, Lopez is devastated. “She tried really hard to make things work, and is heartbroken,” the insider told the outlet. “The kids are a top priority, as they always have been.”