Bennifer’s back on! Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s romantic reunion after 17 years
Bennifer Reunited: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s Romantic Reunion After 17 Years
Isn’t it remarkable? Once Hollywood’s most iconic power couple, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck seem to have rekindled their love. As far as celebrity Instagram announcements go, Jennifer Lopez’s sultry photos marking her 52nd birthday were truly stunning. But it was the final image in the series of daring bikini shots, taken on the deck of a super yacht off the south coast of France, that really caught the world’s attention – a passionate kiss confirming that she and her former flame Ben Affleck are back together.
Yes, you read that right: 17 years after their 2004 split, the Hollywood power couple once dubbed “Bennifer” is officially reunited. Ben swept J.Lo away on a lavish birthday trip, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled. While rumors have been swirling for some time, the couple’s kiss, simply captioned “52… what it do…”, is the first acknowledgment of their rekindled romance.
The pop star celebrated her 52nd birthday by posting a series of bikini shots. For celebrity fans, the love story is like a real-life romcom; a passion that has defied all odds to burn as strongly as ever, nearly 20 years later.
From Gigli to Reunion
Bennifer met in 2001 on the set of Gigli, a film that flopped spectacularly but sparked a love story for the ages. The chemistry between them was undeniable. At the time, J.Lo was still married to her second husband, Cris Judd. In 2002, she and Ben went public with their relationship just weeks after she split from Cris and shortly before she filed for divorce.
Looking back at the frenzy around their relationship, J.Lo said, “We didn’t try to have a public relationship; we just happened to be together at the birth of the tabloids, and it was like, ‘Oh my God!’”
Due to the timing, public interest in the pair was unprecedented. Their every move was watched, documented, and paid for, and the couple seemed to enjoy the attention. Ben famously appeared in J.Lo’s Jenny from the Block music video, further cementing their status as Hollywood’s most powerful pair.
The Engagement and Split
When they got engaged later that year, J.Lo didn’t just announce it; she did so in a full interview with Diane Sawyer, showing off her now-legendary 6.1-carat pink diamond ring, which reportedly cost Ben a cool $2.5 million.
At the time, it seemed Bennifer were the real deal. However, just days before their 2003 wedding, they released a joint statement postponing their nuptials, blaming the press.
They wrote: “When we found ourselves seriously contemplating hiring three separate ‘decoy brides’ at three different locations, we realized that something was wrong. We began to feel that the spirit of what should have been the happiest day of our lives could be compromised. We felt what should have been a joyful and sacred day could be spoiled for us, our families, and our friends.”
Barely four months later, the relationship was over. J.Lo has since spoken about the pressure they faced, saying, “It was a tough time. Our relationship, I think, did suffer because of that. That’s not the only reason… but I think it definitely played a part in the dynamic of our relationship.”
She also maintained, however, that she had no regrets about their time together, and even said, “I would do it all over again. I really would. I just feel like everything is part of your story and your journey and is meant to be, and helps you grow if you’re willing to look at it. And I’m willing to look.”
Moving On and Finding Their Way Back
Despite their connection, the pair moved on relatively quickly. J.Lo married singer Marc Anthony just five months after the split. She and Marc, who previously dated in the ’90s, separated seven years later in 2011 and share 13-year-old twins Emme and Max Muñiz.
Ben, meanwhile, was married to actress Jennifer Garner within a year, and they became parents to Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel. After a decade together, amid rumors of infidelity and alcoholism, they announced their separation in 2015 and finalized their divorce in 2018.
Over the years, Ben and J.Lo have seen their fair share of romances. But barely a week after confirming her split from A-Rod in April, the public got its first hint that Bennifer might be back on, with reports the pair were sharing secret visits. The following month, things heated up with rumors that they spent a week-long holiday together in Montana.
“The chemistry is unreal,” a source revealed. “They picked up where they last left off and are enjoying each other’s company right now.”
It’s said the pair have been taking turns flying between Ben’s home in Los Angeles and J.Lo’s in Miami and have kept in touch every day since Montana, apparently “committed to making things work.”
“Ben’s really making a huge effort. J.Lo thinks he’s really stepped up and loves this version of him. It’s comforting to her, and she is smitten. They are giddy together, and you can tell she’s really happy.”
The pair are reportedly already talking about the future. “This is not a casual relationship. They are taking it seriously and want it to be long-lasting.”
Their families have also been spending time together, including a trip to Universal Studios with three of their kids, as well as Ben joining the Lopez family at a birthday party and later, some “low-key” time at J.Lo’s place in the Hamptons.
Things are going so well that E! reports J.Lo “is packing up her Miami rental.”
