While Jennifer Lopez has filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, marking the end of their high-profile reunion and two-year marriage, sources close to the situation report that despite Lopez “doing as well as she can,” the decision to end the marriage has been difficult for the 55-year-old actress and singer.
The divorce filing, submitted on August 20 – the two-year anniversary of their Georgia wedding celebration – came as a surprise to many fans who had celebrated the couple’s rekindled romance. According to a source speaking to PEOPLE magazine, Lopez “didn’t want a divorce” initially and had hoped to work through their issues.
“It’s been incredibly difficult for her that Ben chose to pull away from their marriage and move on with his life, leaving her behind,” the source revealed. “Jennifer is not the type to just give up. It’s been almost torture for her to wait around.”
Despite the emotional toll, the same source indicated that Lopez seems relieved after taking the step to file for divorce. “Her family and friends agree that it was the right decision,” the insider added. “She’s surrounded by a lot of love and support. She’ll be fine. She’s strong and always comes out on top.”
In an unusual move, Lopez filed the divorce papers without an attorney present, a decision that legal experts suggest may indicate her desire to expedite the process and move forward. Marilyn Chinitz, a matrimonial partner at Blank Rome LLP not connected to the case, commented on Lopez’s pro se filing, saying, “I think that she most likely just wanted to get this done, [that] there was a lot of hesitation and hemming and hawing back and forth, and it’s a statement: ‘I’m moving forward, I’m filing and I’m doing it on my own.'”
The couple’s relationship has been a subject of public fascination for over two decades. Lopez and Affleck first dated in the early 2000s, becoming engaged before postponing their September 2003 wedding and ultimately splitting in January 2004. Their reunion in April 2021 sparked a media frenzy, with fans and tabloids alike celebrating the return of “Bennifer.”
As news of the divorce filing spreads, supporters of both Lopez and Affleck, 52, have expressed their sympathies and well-wishes for the couple. The end of their marriage marks the conclusion of one of Hollywood’s most-watched relationships, leaving fans to speculate about what the future holds for both stars.
Although representatives for Lopez and Affleck have not yet commented publicly on the divorce filing, the story continues to develop, with many awaiting official statements from the couple regarding their separation.
People.com
