Jennifer Lopez made a stunning appearance at the premiere of her new Netflix film, Atlas, at the Egyptian Theatre in L.A. on May 20. She wore a cropped white top and a black, floor-length mermaid-cut Greta Constantine skirt, looking glamorous as she posed for photos and waved to fans.
However, according to an eyewitness in the latest issue of We magazine, Lopez, 54, was not her usual "bubbly" self at the event.
The eyewitness mentioned that there weren't many big smiles, even for the photographers. They noticed that Lopez had her wedding band on but not her 8.5-carat diamond engagement ring. It appeared as though she was just going through the motions.
The press tour for Atlas has not come at the best time for Lopez. Recently, it was reported that she and her husband Ben Affleck are going through a rough patch. Affleck, who is 51 years old, has temporarily moved out of their $60 million Beverly Hills mansion to a nearby rental while they work through their issues.
One insider, who is close to the couple that got married in the summer of 2022, almost two decades after canceling their first engagement, revealed that they both agreed to take some time apart to figure out if the relationship is truly what they both want.
Another source, who is close to Lopez, shared that things started to reach a breaking point between the Shotgun Wedding star and Affleck a couple of months ago.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s Friends Are Divided on Whether Marriage Can Be Saved
FilmMagic; WireImage
According to a source, Jennifer has been increasing her work responsibilities and getting ready for her upcoming tour. The insider mentioned that she is very dedicated to her work but tends to take on too much.
Lopez is scheduled to start her 30-date This Is Me…Now Tour on June 26 in Florida. The same source revealed that Affleck is not supportive of Jennifer's busy lifestyle and has been feeling exhausted from the marriage.
"He's been distant lately," one source mentioned, pointing out that the couple often see things differently now that the initial excitement has faded.
Another source close to Lopez added that their busy work schedules have been causing tension in their relationship. "Both of them have demanding jobs that frequently keep them apart in different locations," the source elaborated.
Lopez was in NYC filming Kiss of the Spider Woman, while Affleck stayed in L.A. shooting The Accountant 2. The source says this highlighted the emotional and physical distance between them.
Communication was also a problem. The source explains that Jennifer and Ben struggled to communicate effectively over time, leading to small misunderstandings escalating into significant arguments.
Lopez and Affleck have different ways of handling conflicts, according to a source. Lopez prefers to address issues directly, while Affleck tends to withdraw, leading to clashes in their approaches to conflict resolution.
In addition to their conflict resolution styles, there are also basic personality differences between the two. Lopez is known for being open and transparent, often sharing personal details with her fans through interviews and social media. She recently opened up about her past relationships, including her reunion with Affleck, in her self-financed musical film, This Is Me… Now: A Love Story, and its accompanying documentary, The Greatest Love Story Never Told.
In the doc, Affleck reflects on their differences, mentioning, “When we decided to give it another shot, I expressed that I prefer to keep our relationship private and off social media. But I later realized it wasn’t a fair request. It’s like marrying a boat captain and saying, ‘I don’t like the water,’” he explained. “We are two individuals with different approaches, working on finding a middle ground.”
A source close to the couple dismisses rumors about Lopez being high-maintenance, stating that their relationship issues are more intricate than what is being speculated.
Disagreements over finances and parenting have worsened the issues between Lopez and Affleck, according to the second Lopez source. Lopez has twins Emme and Max, 16, with ex Marc Anthony, while Affleck shares Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12, with ex Jennifer Garner.
There is a lot at stake in their relationship. Another divorce for Lopez could be embarrassing for her. The first Lopez source mentioned that she is upset and had high hopes that her relationship with Ben would last this time.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s Friends Are Divided on Whether Marriage Can Be Saved
MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images
The second source close to Lopez mentioned that the public display of love and unity between the couple made the idea of a breakup uncomfortable.
During a press event for Atlas in Mexico City on Wednesday, May 22, Lopez found herself in an awkward situation when a reporter asked about rumors of a divorce. Lopez responded to the reporter by saying, "You know better than that," while her co-star Simu Liu quickly defended her, urging the reporter to refrain from negative energy. Liu praised Lopez for her role as a producer on the movie and highlighted her commitment to important issues like representation and diversity.
Lopez is dedicated to improving their marriage and is encouraging them to seek help. Affleck, on the other hand, was unsure at first but is now showing more effort.
According to the same source, Ben has been feeling lonely since moving out and has come to realize how much he misses Jen.
Currently, they are stuck in a deadlock. According to another source close to Lopez, Ben and Jen only communicated to talk about important things and share updates while they were apart.
Their friends are divided on what Lopez and Affleck should do next. Some feel that with time and effort, they can overcome their issues due to their strong connection. Others believe that their relationship has reached its end.
Lopez and Affleck are currently taking time to think about what they want from their marriage. They are both reevaluating their priorities.
To learn more about Lopez and Affleck, check out the exclusive video above. You can also grab the latest issue of We magazine, available at newsstands now.
With reporting by Andrea Simpson & Amanda Williams
Editor's P/S:
The article paints a concerning picture of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's marriage, revealing that they are going through a rough patch and have temporarily separated. Allegedly, the couple has been experiencing communication issues, disagreements over finances and parenting, and different approaches to conflict resolution. Lopez's busy work schedule and Affleck's exhaustion have also contributed to the strain in their relationship. Despite Lopez's efforts to improve their marriage, Affleck is reportedly hesitant to seek help. The article highlights the challenges and complexities of a high-profile relationship, especially when both partners have demanding careers and different personalities.
It's important to note that the information in the article is based on anonymous sources and has not been confirmed by Lopez or Affleck themselves. However, the details provided offer insights into the potential factors that may be affecting their marriage. It remains to be seen whether the couple can overcome their current difficulties and reconcile or if their relationship is facing a more permanent end. Time will tell how this situation unfolds and what the future holds for Lopez and Affleck.