Jennifer Lopez has officially filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, marking the end of their two-year marriage.
According to court documents, Lopez, 55, has requested that her legal name be changed back to Jennifer Lynn Lopez, shedding the last name she adopted after marrying Affleck. The filing, submitted in Los Angeles on Tuesday, reveals that Lopez is moving forward without legal representation, signaling her determination to handle the proceedings independently.
Lopez, known for her hit songs like “Jenny from the Block,” tied the knot with Affleck, 52, in a private ceremony in Las Vegas on July 16, 2022, followed by a more elaborate celebration at Affleck’s Georgia estate a month later. However, the couple’s relationship, which has been a rollercoaster of public scrutiny and media attention, appears to have reached its final chapter.
The couple first met in 2002 on the set of the romantic comedy “Gigli” and quickly became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about pairs, earning the nickname “Bennifer.” They got engaged later that year but called it off in 2004, citing overwhelming media pressure as a significant factor.
After nearly two decades apart and other high-profile relationships, Lopez and Affleck rekindled their romance in 2021, much to the delight of their fans.
Despite their fairy-tale reunion, rumors of trouble in paradise began to surface earlier this year as the couple made fewer public appearances together. Now, with the divorce filing, it’s clear that irreconcilable differences have driven the couple apart once again. Lopez has asked the court not to award spousal support to either party, and she also requested that each side cover their own legal fees.
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This divorce marks Lopez’s fourth marriage and Affleck’s second. Both stars have previously spoken about the challenges of balancing their careers with their personal lives, and it seems those challenges ultimately proved too great to overcome.
In a 2022 interview with Vogue, Lopez addressed her decision to take on Affleck’s last name, a choice that drew mixed reactions from fans and the media. “People are still going to call me Jennifer Lopez. But my legal name will be Mrs. Affleck because we’re joined together,” she explained, expressing her belief in the romantic and traditional aspects of the name change.
However, with the dissolution of their marriage, it appears Lopez is ready to fully reclaim her identity as Jennifer Lopez, both legally and publicly. The singer and actress remains one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry, and her decision to revert to her maiden name symbolizes a new chapter in her life.
As Lopez moves forward, fans will undoubtedly continue to support her journey, just as they have throughout her decades-long career. Meanwhile, the public will be watching to see how Affleck, known for his roles in films like “Argo” and “Good Will Hunting,” navigates this personal and professional transition.