In a revealing GQ cover story published on Tuesday, actor Ben Affleck opens up about his divorce from Jennifer Lopez. This candid interview comes in light of Lopez's documentary, Greatest Love Story Never Told, in which she shares her personal journey leading to her recent album, which features themes of reconciliation and their marriage after two decades. The couple's relationship has captivated fans since they were first engaged in the early 2000s.
When asked about his involvement in Lopez's documentary, which streamed on Prime Video, Affleck expressed his desire to participate in a way that was both honest and engaging. “Part of it was, ‘Okay, if I’m going to participate in this, I want to try to do it in an honest way and in a way that’s interesting,’” he stated. Affleck acknowledged that many celebrities handle public life with more finesse than he does, with Lopez being a prime example. He noted, “My temperament is to be a little bit more reserved and private than hers. As happens in relationships, you don’t always have the same attitude towards these things.”
Affleck continued to elaborate on the complexities of their relationship, saying, “I love and support this person. I believe in them. They’re great. I want people to see that.” He used a metaphor to clarify his thoughts: “You don’t marry a ship captain and then say, ‘Well, I don’t like going out in the water.’ You’ve got to own what you knew going into any relationship.” This reflection emphasizes the importance of understanding and reconciling differences in how couples approach their public and private lives.
In a follow-up discussion, Affleck made it clear that he hoped his sentiments were communicated effectively, emphasizing his respect for Lopez. He remarked, “I really hope that whatever you use doesn’t suggest that I have any negativity or judgment or anything regarding that. I have nothing but respect.” He pointed out that public interest in celebrity breakups often leads to a search for scandal or drama, but in their case, the reality is much simpler. “The truth is much more quotidian than probably people would believe,” he added.
Affleck elaborated further, stating, “There’s no scandal, no soap opera, no intrigue.” He described the situation as a narrative about two people navigating their lives and relationships, similar to how many couples experience growth and challenges over time. “It sounds more like a couple’s therapy session,” he said, indicating that the realities of their relationship may not be as thrilling as some might hope. He expressed reluctance to share personal details, suggesting that doing so would feel vulnerable.
Affleck and Lopez's history dates back to their roles in Gigli (2003) and Jersey Girl (2004), along with their initial engagement in November 2002. Their highly publicized romance ended in a broken engagement less than two years later. However, in April 2021, the couple reconciled and announced their engagement in 2022. They later eloped in Las Vegas before having a formal ceremony in Georgia.
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Lopez expressed her feelings about their past, saying, “I don’t know if you know this but 20 years ago we were supposed to get married and it kind of all fell apart back then.” She admitted to experiencing a bit of PTSD regarding their wedding plans, questioning, “Is this really happening?”
In a recent report by People, it was revealed that when Lopez filed for divorce, she listed the date of separation as April 26, 2024, despite filing on August 20, marking the second anniversary of their Georgia ceremony. As Affleck and Lopez navigate this next chapter, their journey continues to intrigue fans and followers alike.
