Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck: a relationship timeline -

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, arguably two of Hollywood’s most famous stars, have captivated the public over the years with their on-again, off-again relationship. Often dubbed “Bennifer” by the media, this high-profile couple originally met on the set of ‘Gigli’ in 2001 and have kept fans guessing ever since. In this gallery, we will explore Ben and Jen from their first interactions to their present-day drama, as Lopez files for a dissolution of marriage. As we explore their relationship timeline, we'll uncover the moments that defined their love story and the reasons why their bond endured for so long.

Curious about J.Lo and Ben Affleck’s relationship? Then click through to learn more.

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2001: Introduction -

In 2001, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck met on the set of the 2003 rom-com 'Gigli.' At the time, Jennifer was on her second marriage to dancer Cris Judd. They filed for divorce in July 2002, and it was finalized in 2003. 

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2002: Ben has a cameo in 'Jenny From the Block' -

In 2002, Ben was featured in a steamy scene in the music video for Jennifer's song 'Jenny from the Block.' The video made a tongue-in-cheek reference to how obsessed the tabloids were with their relationship.

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November 2002: Engagement -

During an interview with Diane Swayer, J.Lo confirmed that she and Ben were engaged. He proposed and gave J.Lo a 6.1-carat pink diamond from Harry Winston.

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2003: J.Lo and Ben star in 'Jersey Girl' -

In the 2003 film 'Jersey Girl,' J.Lo played the deceased wife of Affleck's character. The film didn't perform well and only grossed US$36 million at the box office.

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September 2003: They postponed their wedding -

Just a few days before the wedding, Ben and Jennifer released a joint statement: "Due to the excessive media attention surrounding our wedding, we have decided to postpone the date. When we found ourselves seriously contemplating hiring three separate “decoy brides” at three different locations, we realized that something was awry." They went on to express their disappointment that the media frenzy had ruined what should have been a joyful and sacred moment in their lives. 

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January 22, 2004: The engagement is ended -

J.Lo's spokesperson confirmed in a report that Jennifer ended her engagement to Ben. The statement requested that everyone respect Jennifer's privacy.

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June 2004: J.Lo moves on to Marc Anthony -

Marc Anthony and J.Lo were long-time friends and tied the knot in June of 2004. They then had twins, a daughter named Emme and a son named Max. They were together for 10 years before their divorce. She was later in a serious relationship with baseball player Alex Rodriguez between 2017 and 2021.

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2005: Ben marries Jennifer Garner -

In 2005, Ben also moved on from J.Lo and married Jennifer Garner. They had three children over the next few years: two daughters, Violet and Seraphina, and a son, Samuel. They divorced in 2018. 

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April 2021: Bennifer reunites -

After Jennifer Lopez ended her engagement to Alex Rodriguez, she and Ben were spotted hanging out again. Ben had also recently split from Ana de Armas. Sources said that the two exes had always been friends.

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May 2021: Montana trip -

Picking up where they left off nearly two decades earlier, J.Lo and Affleck were spotted in Montana during a weeklong trip. Sources said the two shared a strong connection.

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May 2021: They "seem commited" to one another -

The two are seen and reported traveling to visit one another. According to 'People,' J.Lo even flew out to Los Angeles to spend time with Ben.

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July 2021: Blended families -

Both Jennifer and Ben's respective families were seen hanging out together. There was a trip to Universal Studios where the two brought their kids together to enjoy some fun.

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August 2021: Ben browses engagement rings -

One source snapped photographs as Ben, his son, and his mother stopped by a Tiffany & Co. jewelry store at a local mall.

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April 2022: Second engagement -

In 2022, Lopez released a video to fans who received her fan newsletter announcing that she and Ben had gotten engaged. She also added a diamond ring emoji to her X (previously Twitter) name.

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July 2022: Marriage in Vegas -

In a surprise Las Vegas wedding, Ben and J.Lo got married. She also confirmed that she changed her last name to her husband's. Soon after, in her fan newsletter, Jennifer shared that the low-key ceremony in a chapel was exactly what the two wanted.

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July 2022: First honeymoon in Paris -

In the summer of 2022, the newlyweds went to Paris alongside their children.

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August 2022: They have a second wedding -

Only weeks after their wedding in Vegas, Ben and Jennifer tied the knot in a second wedding party in Georgia. According to Page Six, guests were all dressed in white for the ceremony.

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August 2022: Second honeymoon in Italy -

The two lovebirds jetted to Italy, namely Milan and Lake Como, to celebrate their second wedding. According to sources, they were shopping and walking around acting very much in love.

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October 2022: The couple “are still in their honeymoon phase.” -

A source opened up to the Daily Mail in October of 2022 and shared that the couple were "still in their honeymoon phase." The source also shared that Ben and Jennifer were looking into purchasing a home together.

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November 28, 2022: J.Lo says her relationship with Ben inspired her to record her newest album -

Jennifer shared in an interview with Zane Lowe from Apple Music that Ben had positively influenced her 20 years ago and even today when it came to recording music. His encouragement helped inspire Jennifer.

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January 2023: J.Lo says she had the "best year" once her and Ben moved in together -

Jennifer spoke with 'Today' and said that 2022 was her year. She mentioned it was the best year since her kids were born. She talked about how she and Ben and the kids all moved in together and that all her dreams were coming true.

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February 5, 2023: They made their Grammys debut -

Ben and Jennifer attended the 65th Grammy Awards together in coordinating outfits. The two were photographed together and seemed happy, although Ben Affleck went viral for looking rather moody at the table.

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May 2023: J.Lo speaks about raising a blended family -

Jennifer made an appearance on 'Live with Kelly and Mark' and talked about how the teenage years, which most of the children were in at the time, were challenging.

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May 10, 2023: J.Lo speaks about Ben at a movie premiere -

At the premiere of her film 'The Mother,' Jennifer shared her happiness since getting married almost a year earlier. 

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May 26, 2023: The couple near their first wedding anniversary -

As they approached their first wedding anniversary, the couple seemed to be doing well. According to a source who spoke with 'Entertainment Tonight,' Ben and Jennifer were "closer than ever before."

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February 8, 2024: Jennifer reveals that Ben pushed her to finish writing ‘This Is Me … Now’ -

In a press conference, Jennifer told fans about how Ben had really helped boost her confidence which helped her finish the script to her movie 'This is Me....Now.'

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February 27, 2024: Ben discusses the compromises made with Jennifer -

In the Amazon Prime documentary 'The Greatest Love Story Never Told,' Jennifer and Ben speak about things they learned and compromises they needed to make for one another. For example, when the two rekindled their love in 2021, Ben asked that their relationship not appear on social media. Later, he realized that wasn't a fair request.

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May 16, 2024: An appearance is made despite rumors of separation -

The couple made an appearance together to support their kids at a school play. This appearance was the first in 47 days at the time. There were rumors of Ben moving out though the couple declined to comment.

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August 2024: J.Lo house hunts -

Only a few days after Ben reportedly bought a new estate in Los Angeles, Jennifer was seen house hunting by herself.

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August 2024: Jennifer files for divorce from Ben -

According to an entry on the Los Angeles Superior Court docket, Jennifer Lopez filed for a dissolution of their two-year marriage on August 20. 

Sources: (Bazaar) (People) (CNN)

See also: The shortest celebrity marriages of all time

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