Jennifer Lopez breaks silence on Ben Affleck split, explaining how it all went south after docu release

Jennifer Lopez has finally opened up about her breakup with Ben Affleck. The singer, known for her hit “Let’s Get Loud,” filed for divorce in Los Angeles on August 20, 2024, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split.

Commonly referred to as Bennifer, the couple had been together for two years this time around. They were previously engaged in 2002, but things ended after just two years in 2004.

While it seemed like they were heading toward a fairy tale ending after actually tying the knot, things took a different turn. Lopez filed for divorce on her own and without a lawyer, which suggests that the split isn’t a messy one. If the divorce goes through, it will mark her fourth.

In a recent interview with Nikki Glaser for Interview, Lopez shared that her “whole f***ing world exploded” after the release of her documentary, The Greatest Love Story Never Told, in February 2024. The documentary follows her journey as she produced a new album while also searching for self-love.

If you want to catch up on the documentary, it’s available for streaming on Amazon Prime. New users can enjoy a free trial to check it out.

Reflecting on her life after the split, Lopez mentioned that she realized things don’t always go as planned, and it’s essential to learn from your mistakes. “I was thinking about this time in my life, and I’m like, ‘That’s not what I thought it was going to turn out like.’ But then I realized, ‘No, this is exactly where I needed to be to lead me to where I want to go,’” she told Glaser.

Lopez also shared that she’s taking a break from dating for now. “There’s no new bar because I’m not looking for anybody,” she explained. “Being in a relationship doesn’t define me. I can’t be looking for happiness in other people. I need to find it within myself.” She reflected on how she used to think she was happy but was still seeking something from others to feel complete. “No, I’m actually good,” she affirmed.

Coming from the Bronx, Lopez emphasized the importance of being complete on your own to find something truly fulfilling with someone else. “You have to be good on your own. I thought I learned that, but I didn’t,” she admitted.

Although she didn’t delve into the specifics of the split, Lopez confessed that the breakup was incredibly tough for her. “It feels lonely, unfamiliar, scary. It feels sad. It feels desperate,” she said. However, she also realized that facing these feelings made her stronger. “When you sit in those feelings and go, ‘These things are not going to kill me,’ you discover that you’re capable of joy and happiness all by yourself.”

Bennifer’s Relationship Timeline:

Lopez and Affleck first crossed paths on the set of the movie Gigli in early 2002. They became engaged in November 2002, with Affleck proposing with a stunning 6.1-carat Harry Winston solitaire engagement ring. Unfortunately, the couple split in January 2004 but reportedly remained friends and started families with other partners.

Lopez married singer Marc Anthony in 2004, and they had twins, Max and Emme, before their marriage ended in 2014. Meanwhile, Affleck was married to actress Jennifer Garner from 2005 to 2018, with whom he shares three children: Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel.

The story didn’t end there for Bennifer, though. They made headlines in April 2021 when it was revealed that they had rekindled their romance shortly after Lopez’s split from former baseball player Alex Rodriguez. Despite the timing, they decided to pursue their relationship.

In a February 2022 interview with People, Lopez expressed her happiness, stating, “I feel so lucky and happy and proud to be with him. It’s a beautiful love story that we got a second chance at.” They became engaged just two months later and married in Las Vegas on July 16, 2022, followed by a second ceremony with family and friends in August 2022.

Rumors of trouble in paradise began circulating in May 2024 when the couple was spotted apart for 47 days. The official announcement of their split came in August of this year.

When asked if she has any regrets about the pain caused by the breakup, Lopez replied, “Not one second.” She added that while it was a challenging experience, it ultimately led her to growth: “That doesn’t mean it didn’t almost take me out for good. It almost did. 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.’”

Meet the Cast of The Greatest Love Story of All Time:

• Jennifer Lopez
• Ben Affleck
• Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas
• Trevor Jackson
• Tony Bellissimo
• Derek Hough
• Sofia Vergara
• Jennifer Lewis
• Post Malone
• Fat Joe
• Neil deGrasse Tyson
• Keke Palmer
• Kim Petras