When Jennifer Lopez Thought She’d Die After Splitting From Ben Affleck: “It Was So Painful…”
Image Source: Getty / Stephane Cardinale – Corbis
The romantic journey of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck reads like a script straight out of Hollywood, marked by a whirlwind romance, heartbreak, and an unexpected reunion that leads to a fairy-tale ending. Their love story, which spanned over two decades, is a testament to the adage that true love finds a way to prevail despite the odds.
The initial chapters of their romance began on the set of the movie “Gigli,” where Lopez, then married to Cris Judd, met Affleck. The spark between Lopez and Affleck ignited in 2002, setting the stage for a high-profile relationship that captivated the public’s imagination. Following her divorce from Judd in 2003, Lopez and Affleck’s relationship blossomed in the public eye, culminating in a proposal that saw Lopez donning an engagement ring at the “Gigli” premiere.
The couple’s plans to solidify their union in September 2003 were thwarted by the overwhelming pressure and scrutiny from the media. The decision to postpone their wedding was a difficult one, born out of a desire to protect the sanctity and joy of what was meant to be the happiest day of their lives. The elaborate measures they considered, including hiring decoy brides to throw off the paparazzi, highlighted the intense public fascination with their relationship, as per Elle.
However, the strain of constant media attention proved too much for the couple, and by January 2004, news of their separation surfaced. In the months that followed, Lopez and Affleck moved on to other relationships, with Lopez marrying Marc Anthony and Affleck marrying Jennifer Garner.
Despite the passage of time and the separate paths their lives took, Lopez and Affleck found their way back to each other in 2021, rekindling a romance that many thought was relegated to the past. Their wedding in Las Vegas in July 2022 marked the beginning of a new chapter in their love story, one that Lopez describes as having a “happy ending” that seemed almost too good to be true for Hollywood standards.
Reflecting on the pain of their initial breakup, Lopez shared with Apple Music the profound impact it had on her, describing it as the biggest heartbreak of her life and a period that led to years of personal turmoil. Yet, the reunion with Affleck 20 years later brought closure and joy to a saga that had its share of ups and downs.
As Lopez prepares to release her ninth studio album, “This Is Me… Now,” on February 16, 2024, her personal and professional life seems to be in harmony, with her love story with Affleck adding a romantic backdrop to her continuing success in the entertainment industry. Their journey together underscores the unpredictable nature of love and the possibility of second chances, making their relationship a captivating narrative that continues to enchant fans around the world.
