Why Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's Relationship Continues to Capture Our Hearts
The enduring fascination with Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, and their relationship is explored in this insightful piece. Dive into the latest speculations surrounding Bennifer and understand why their love story remains a compelling narrative for many.
Holly Thomas, a writer and editor from London, currently serves as the morning editor at Katie Couric Media. You can find her on Twitter at @HolstaT. Please note that the opinions expressed in this commentary belong solely to the author. For more opinion pieces, visit CNN's website.
In the documentary "The Greatest Love Story Never Told," which captures the creation of "This Is Me... Now," a 2024 musical film centered around Jennifer Lopez's latest album sharing the same title, there are numerous moments that will make you cringe. And what comes next is undeniably one of the most painful scenes.
Lopez expresses anxiety about other actors not wanting to star in the movie. She mentions her spouse to her manager, Benny Medina, saying he may not be comfortable with her decision. However, she believes he loves her, recognizes her as an artist, and will support her in any way he can. She asserts, "He can't stop me."
Affleck, on the other hand, shares some empathetic thoughts and reflects on the value of privacy. He mentions that private matters are sacred and special to him, as they are meant to be kept private. Adapting to the public attention was a challenge for him. This moment is likened to Chekhov's gun in terms of significance.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez attend the 75th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater on March 23, 2003 in Hollywood, California.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez attend the 75th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater on March 23, 2003 in Hollywood, California.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Their first love story ended in 2003 due to intense media focus, right before their planned wedding. Fast forward to today, Lopez and her partner are back in the spotlight with an album, film, and documentary centered on their reunion. However, despite her partner's hesitation, Lopez has welcomed back the scrutiny. Given the recent rumors of a breakup, this decision seems like a major mistake.
It's no surprise that many people are captivated by Bennifer and their relationship, which is currently the subject of intense speculation. When they first got together, they symbolized the peak of early 2000s glamour. Every public appearance showcased their extravagant affection, from Ben Affleck's cameo in Jennifer Lopez's "Jenny From The Block" music video in 2002 to the $2.5 million pink diamond in her engagement ring. They even popularized the cute nickname "Bennifer."
Their breakup in 2003 felt like the end of a specific kind of Hollywood romance, one that seemed so extravagant and scripted that it could never have been real.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck attended the premiere of "The Mother" at the Westwood Regency Village Theater in Los Angeles, California, on May 10, 2023. 
Michael Tran/AFP/Getty Images
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Jennifer Lopez recently addressed a question about Ben Affleck, bringing back memories of their long-lasting love in the public eye. The couple's reunion in 2021 sparked a unique reaction. As the world emerged from lockdown, people were craving positive and lighthearted news. Seeing Bennifer back together again stirred up feelings of nostalgia, especially when photos of them celebrating Lopez's 52nd birthday on a yacht surfaced. It felt like a playful reference to their glamorous days in the early 2000s.
The pictures also served as a reminder of the press attention that’d suffocated the relationship the first time around. In the intervening years, Affleck had become the poster boy for disaffected middle age, and Lopez had endured several more high-profile breakups. When they eloped to Las Vegas in a paparazzi-free midnight ceremony in 2022, the world nodded its approval. The couple deserved happiness, and everyone, it seemed, had learned a thing or two about privacy. Everyone, apparently, besides Lopez.
Smash cut to 2024. “The Greatest Love Story Never Told” is swiftly becoming The Greatest Love Story Never Off Duty. The “This Is Me… Now” album, the sister record to 2002’s “This Is Me… Then,” is a whistlestop tour of Bennifer’s romance, featuring tracks like “Dear Ben, Pt. II,” and “Midnight Trip to Vegas.” If we’re in any doubt over the transformative effect of Affleck’s affections, the accompanying film offers a visual aid, in the shape of a massive steampunk “heart factory.”
It's okay, everything is okay. The movie may be childish, but it's okay. That is, until we uncover where it came from.
In the documentary "The Greatest Love Story Never Told" (which is about the movie's creation, by the way), Lopez shares that her new music was inspired by a scrapbook Affleck had given her filled with their love letters. She showed it to her production team on the first day, like a gift from the creative gods. "We just left it in the studio, and people would flip through it," she says. Interestingly, Affleck had no idea about it.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were seen together at the premiere of the film "This Is Me... Now: A Love Story" in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on February 13, 2024.
Ben Affleck and cast member Jennifer Lopez attend a premiere for the film "This Is Me... Now: A Love Story" in Los Angeles, California, U.S. February 13, 2024. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Mario Anzuoni/Reuters
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Ben Affleck opened up about learning to compromise with Jennifer Lopez on being more public with their relationship.
"I was like, ‘You’ve been showing all the musicians all those letters that, uh…. I was like, Oh my God,” he shudders, clearly mortified."
In the documentary, Lopez mainly reflects on how her movie could impact her career, rather than considering how it might affect her relationship. She approaches the project with a practical mindset, showing little sentimentality. For instance, when her producer informs her that Derek Hough cannot film due to a wedding, she instructs her to reach out to him.
During an interview, Affleck, who openly discusses his struggles with alcoholism, draws a parallel between Lopez's need for validation and his own urge to drink. He suggests that no amount of success or fame can fill the void within that craves healing and peace. Affleck emphasizes the importance of inner work and self-reflection in overcoming personal challenges.
The most insightful moment in the documentary is one that many people could probably learn from. However, the more you watch, the less it seems like Lopez has. It's as if Icarus survived his first disastrous trip near the sun, dusted himself off after crashing to earth, glued his wings back on, and flew right back up again.
The movie emphasizes the importance of learning to love yourself, but there is less focus on nurturing a relationship with someone else.
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Neither Lopez nor Affleck have publicly addressed the breakup rumors yet. At the premiere of Lopez's Netflix movie Atlas, a reporter asked her about the divorce speculations, but her co-star Simu Liu quickly intervened, saying, "We're not doing that." Despite reports of them living separately, both Lopez and Affleck have been spotted wearing their wedding rings.
I really hope things work out for Bennifer. It's hard to see something you've invested so much in potentially falling apart. It's like finally paying off a mortgage, only to then set the house on fire. This situation just goes to show that striving for success is no replacement for true happiness.
Editor's P/S:
The article delves into the complexities of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's relationship, examining the impact of media scrutiny, the desire for validation, and the importance of self-love. The author expresses concern about Lopez's apparent willingness to sacrifice privacy for public attention, drawing parallels to their previous breakup in 2003 due to intense media focus. The article also highlights Affleck's emphasis on inner work and self-reflection in overcoming personal challenges.
The documentary "The Greatest Love Story Never Told" reveals the inspiration behind Lopez's new music album and film, which are heavily influenced by Affleck's love letters. However, the author questions Lopez's sentimental approach to the project, suggesting that she may be prioritizing her career over considering the potential effects on her relationship. The article underscores the importance of nurturing a relationship with oneself and others, emphasizing that striving for success is no substitute for true happiness.
