Fans could not be any happier to see a grinning Ben Affleck while spending time with his kid and ex-wife. The family moment came mere hours before JLo filed for divorce.
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Hollywood star Ben Affleck was in high spirits on Tuesday morning, August 20, as he stepped off a private jet alongside his famous ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, and their teenager, Fin Affleck. Fans claim that they have never seen the “Deep Water” actor look as happy as he did with his family and expressed a desire they have concerning Ben and Jennifer.
Fan comment about Ben Affleck, posted on August 21, 2024 | Source: Instagram/pagesix
A gleeful Ben, who donned a crisp white shirt, navy pants, and sunglasses, disembarked from the sleek aircraft—which landed in Los Angeles—with a wide smile on his face.
Photos show him walking down the steps of the jet with a big black bag in one hand and a navy blazer folded over his arm.
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Reportedly, his return home came after dropping his daughter, Violet Affleck, off at college in Connecticut. Following behind Ben was Fin, who sported a trendy Yale sweater, which outlets believe was Fin’s way of confirming that their older sister, Violet, is headed to the prestigious university in the fall.
Joining the father and teenager was Jennifer, whom Ben divorced in 2018 following 13 years of marriage. Matching her child and ex-husband’s casually stylish vibe, the “Elektra” star wore a black top and green pants.
After the trio got off the jet, they were seen organizing their luggage and putting it in a BMW car with the help of what appeared to be staff members. At some point, Ben was seen driving the BMW with Jennifer in the front passenger seat, as the family left the airport.
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The heartwarming family outing came on the same day that Ben’s estranged wife, famous singer and actress, Jennifer Lopez, filed for divorce just hours before. August 20 is also the day of the couple’s two-year wedding anniversary.
Jennifer Lopez spotted out in Los Angeles, California on August 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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Regardless of how the optics may look, many were delighted to see photos of Ben enjoying his time with Fin and his ex. Some even thought that his happy demeanor was an indication of him being excited to be done with his relationship with the “Jenny from the block” artist.
Ben Affleck spotted out in Brentwood, California on June 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
“Ahahahahahahahaha he’s celebrating,” penned an Instagrammer. Similarly, another echoed, “He looks relieved😂 😂 go Ben!! 👏.” “He’s so happy. I have never seen him smile like that. Whoa,” observed a netizen.
Ben Affleck at the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California on January 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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Many expressed their wish to see Ben rekindle his past romance with his ex-wife and for the ex-couple to be a family again with their kids. “He’s smiling again! He should go back to his family and stay there. Forever. ❤️🙌🙏🏼,” gushed a fan.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner spotted out in Los Angeles, California on May 11, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Another admirer asserted, “He’s always happy around @jennifer.garner 😍.” “He was with her for years and has kids with her, not every divorce ends badly, I hope they get back together!” stated someone on Facebook.
Echoing a similar sentiment, another observer expressed, “He knows his true love and where he is safe and loved! Family is everything!”
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner spotted out in Los Angeles, California on October 31, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
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One person put forward a theory of what the family outing meant, citing, “Garner is the woman who has a boyfriend who looks good but it is only to cover up her relationship with Ben, that is why Ben’s relationships do not last 😮.”
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck spotted out in Los Angeles, California on June 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Five days before Ben was seen with Jennifer and Fin, the “Alias” actress was spotted visiting him on August 15 at his rental home in Brentwood, California on his 52nd birthday. Keeping things casual, she donned navy pants, a white t-shirt, spectacles, an Apple watch, and silver earrings.
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Video footage of her black BMW shows the “Yes Day” talent arriving at Ben’s gates, waiting to be let inside. After she pushes the buzzer to alert Ben of her presence, the actor opens his black gate to let her in.
Jennifer Garner visiting Ben Affleck on his 52nd birthday, posted on August 16, 2024 | Source: YouTube/X17onlineVideo
The video then cuts to show the moment Jennifer Garner was seen driving back through the gates and onto the road, leaving Ben’s house after her visit.
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Meanwhile, media outlets reported that Jennifer Lopez posted throwback photos of herself from her own birthday on the same day Ben celebrated his.
However, outlets also revealed that the “Selena” actress was seen visiting Ben Affleck on his birthday. Photos showed her dressed in a brown jacket, blue jeans, and sneakers, leaving his house.
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Five days after JLo was spotted at the “Gone Girl” talent’s home, she filed for divorce, officially signifying the end of her two-year marriage to Ben. She submitted the paperwork to the Los Angeles County Superior Court on a symbolic date.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were seen walking a bit apart from each other in New York City on March 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
According to TMZ, the couple’s separation date is listed as April 26, 2024, and further details offer a fresh perspective on their unexpected split.
Advertisement JLo’s Divorce Filing Comes on the Anniversary of Their Georgia Wedding
JLo reportedly filed for divorce on the same day as their Georgia wedding anniversary (August 20), adding a bittersweet note to their split. The couple rekindled their romance in 2021 and got engaged in April 2022.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the “Marry Me” screening in Los Angeles, California on February 8, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
After getting engaged, they had a surprise Las Vegas wedding on July 16, 2022. A month later, they celebrated with a larger ceremony at Ben’s Georgia estate. In her On the JLo newsletter, JLo described the day as “full-circle” and “better” than expected.
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The ceremony was personal, with the couple walking down the aisle to “True Companion” by Marc Cohn. JLo wore three custom wedding dresses: a turtleneck gown, a mermaid silhouette, and a chandelier pearl gown, which she called “dreamy.”
JLo Filed the Divorce Documents Herself
In a surprising move, JLo filed the divorce documents without a lawyer. This approach, known as filing “pro per,” suggests she wants to handle the process independently. She also waived her right to spousal support and asked that the court deny Ben any support as well.
Jennifer Lopez at Paris Fashion Week in Paris, France on June 24, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Advertisement Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez Have No Prenuptial Agreement
TMZ also reported that the divorce documents show JLo and Ben did not have a prenuptial agreement. Despite their previous marriages and significant wealth, they didn’t protect their finances.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck in New York City on September 26, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
As a result, any earnings or profits made during the couple’s marriage will be treated as community property. A legal source has clarified this matter.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at Elle’s Women in Hollywood Celebration in Los Angeles, California on December 5, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
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Marilyn Chinitz, a divorce lawyer at Blank Rome LLP, commented that JLo’s decision to proceed with the divorce, even without legal representation, sends a clear message of determination, calling it her “real statement” of moving forward.
Jennifer Lopez walks ahead while Ben Affleck follows in Los Angeles, California, on March 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
She also stated that it would be “extremely unusual” for the couple not to have a prenuptial agreement. “The only time that you see people not having a prenup is when they’ve put most of their assets in trust for their children, and those trusts have been established and they wouldn’t be part of the community [property],” explained Marilyn.
Emme Maribel Muñiz, Ben Affleck, and Jennifer Lopez spotted out in Los Angeles, California on May 20, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Advertisement Bennifer Are Still Hashing Out the Sale of Their Marital Home
Although JLo has filed for divorce, their financial settlement remains unresolved. The couple’s Beverly Hills home is on the market, but negotiations have reportedly become tense. JLo and Ben are searching for new homes, signaling the end of their shared life.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck in Los Angeles, California on April 26, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
JLo and Ben first became a media sensation in the early 2000s when their relationship, known as “Bennifer,” grabbed headlines. They got engaged and starred together in “Gigli” (2003) and “Jersey Girl” (2004), but their romance ended before “Jersey Girl” was released.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the “Daredevil” premiere in Los Angeles, California on February 9, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
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Over the next 20 years, both married other people—JLo with Marc Anthony and Ben with Jennifer—but they reunited three years ago. Since then, they often appeared together at public events, promoting each other’s projects. Ben even appeared in JLo’s Amazon Prime Video special, “This Is Me … Now: A Love Story.”
JLo’s latest album, “This Is Me … Now,” revisits themes from her 2002 album, “This Is Me … Then,” which was inspired by her first relationship with Ben. Fans followed their love story through JLo’s social media and newsletter updates.
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However, in May, JLo unexpectedly canceled her summer tour, saying she needed time with her family—a decision that hinted at the couple’s split and eventual divorce.
JLo and Ben’s divorce comes after the pop singer grabbed attention by attending a Bruno Mars concert in Los Angeles on Ben’s birthday. This sparked online debate about whether she was masking her true feelings amid the the couple’s marital woes.
User comment about Jennifer Lopez, posted in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
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A video shared on Instagram by artist Tetris showed JLo, dressed in a white sleeveless top and jeans, dancing energetically—swaying her head and raising her hands as she moved her body from left to right—to the song “Marry You.”
Jennifer Lopez holds her head high as she dances along to Bruno Mars’ song “Marry You” at his concert in Los Angeles, California, posted in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
Jennifer Lopez dances with her hand up to the song “Marry You” at Bruno Mars’s concert in Los Angeles, California, posted in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
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Jennifer Lopez sings and dances to the song “Marry You” at Bruno Mars’s concert in Los Angeles, California, in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
Although JLo appeared to be enjoying herself, the clip quickly attracted attention, with netizens questioning the authenticity of her emotional state. Speaking about JLo’s dancing, a user observed, “Trying too hard to look happy.”
Jennifer Lopez closes her eyes as she listens to “Marry You” at Bruno Mars’s concert in Los Angeles, California, in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
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Another critic pointed out, “She knew that she will be videotaped. This is too hard seeking attention, even for JLo [sic],” while another added, “55 acting like she’s 25. 🙄🙄”
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Someone else speculated that JLo’s behavior might have contributed to her and Ben’s marital woes, writing, “Calm down Jen. It doesn’t always have to be a show… That may be the reason for your relationship demise 🤷♀️.” Not everyone was critical, though.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez spotted out in New York City on March 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Some fans defended JLo, saying she was just enjoying her single life. One fan noted that she looked like anyone else who loves music and suggested that Ben, not being musically inclined, might not have enjoyed attending concerts with her.
Jennifer Lopez places her hand on her forehead at her “Brave” album release party in New York City on October 8, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
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Supporters encouraged JLo to live life on her own terms, expressing happiness that she was enjoying herself. One fan urged her to “be happy” with or without Ben, while another praised her for dancing and having fun.
Jennifer Lopez as a guest for a dance battle on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on March 1, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Another fan celebrated JLo’s happiness, stating that life goes on and that she has plenty to celebrate without being defined by a man.
