‘Something Wrong with Him’: Fans Worry as Ben Affleck Is Seen for the First Time after Wife JLo Filed for Divorce
Netizens have expressed concern for Ben Affleck after spotting the actor for the first time since Jennifer Lopez filed to divorce him. This comes after Lopez was seen living it up at a Bruno Mars concert on her husband’s birthday.
Fresh after powerhouse entertainer Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce, iconic actor Ben Affleck was spotted out in public. Video footage and pictures of Affleck’s appearance have sparked online commentary from worried eagle-eyed observers, who are still talking about the divorce news.
Ben Affleck spotted out after Jenifer Lopez filed for divorce, posted on August 21, 2024 | Source: YouTube/The Daily Stardust
Casually dressed for his excursion, Affleck sported a gray t-shirt that had a lightning bolt printed on the front, blue jeans, and black and white sneakers. He paired his laid-back look with dark shades. Noticeably absent, however, was his wedding ring.
The description accompanying a video posted of Affleck’s outing indicates that “The Accountant” star was leaving his office. Footage showed Affleck rounding a sleek charcoal car that was parked in the office parking lot.
Ben Affleck | Source: YouTube/The Daily Stardust
Spotting the paparazzi immediately upon reaching the front of the vehicle, Affleck shook his head and then looked in their direction. In the video, a photographer can be heard asking, “How’s single life, Ben?” to which Affleck did not respond, as he disappeared behind a white wall next to the car.
Ben Affleck | Source: YouTube/The Daily Stardust
Upon seeing the media of Affleck, people took to social media platforms to assert their opinions. Many expressed worry for the “Gone Girl” talent, with some even feeling bad about the fact that Affleck was unable to evade the paparazzi.
“Leave him alone,” chastised an Instagrammer. Chiming in, another added, “This guy has gone [through] hell and back.” “Too bad, there’s probably something wrong with him. She loves him,” mentioned someone else.
Ben Affleck spotted out in Los Angeles, California on June 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
An observer simply noted, “So sad…” while another said, “Poor guy 😮.” Seemingly adding a hint of sarcasm to their comment, a netizen on TikTok asserted, “[Oh] no 🙄.”
Ben Affleck spotted out in Los Angeles, California on June 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
On the other hand, some people speculated about how the divorce happened and why Lopez and Affleck decided to call it quits. “I bet he was the one [who] asked for a divorce, but she said only if it’s her that files. 😬,” commented a social media user.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez spotted out in New York on March 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Adding their own opinion, another remarked, “[She] is too caught up on being famous [Ben] just wants to settle down and stay private.” “He’s finally free,” penned someone else.
Ben Affleck spotted out in Brentwood, California on June 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Not only does Affleck’s widely-discussed appearance come after Lopez filed for divorce but it also follows the “Selena” star’s night out with friends at Bruno Mars’ Inglewood show at the Intuit Dome. Video footage shows Lopez dancing her heart out to Mars’ hit song “Marry You.”
Jennifer Lopez dancing at Bruno Mars’ concert, posted on August 19, 2024 | Source: TikTok/Elle_spain
Freeing herself of any inhibitions, Lopez allowed herself to cut loose and jam it out to the popular track. She was seen waving her arms around and flipping her ponytail back and forth to the beat of the song.
Jennifer Lopez | Source: TikTok/Elle_spain
What’s interesting is that Lopez attended Mars’ concert on the same day her husband celebrated his 52nd birthday. Her night out quickly attracted negative attention from social media users who felt that the actress was trying too hard to look happy.
Jennifer Lopez | Source: TikTok/Elle_spain
Many also thought it was a cry for attention and even went so far as to say that the behavior she exhibited may be a potential reason why her marriage didn’t work out. However, some felt differently, defending Lopez’s right to have fun, let loose, and be happy with or without her husband.
Although Lopez went to the concert without Ben Affleck, reports state that she had visited him at his rental home in Brentwood earlier that same day. Photos show her leaving the home dressed casually in a brown jacket, blue jeans, and sneakers.
Reportedly, it was just five days after Affleck’s birthday, which was on August 15, that Jennifer Lopez then filed for divorce on August 20, after two years of marriage.
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
She submitted the paperwork to the Los Angeles County Superior Court on a symbolic date—exactly two years after their second grand wedding ceremony. 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.
JLo’s Divorce Filing Comes on the Anniversary of Their Georgia Wedding
Lopez 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 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 Affleck’s Georgia estate. In her On the JLo newsletter, Lopez described the day as “full-circle” and “better” than expected.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck share a kiss on their wedding day, posted in August 2023 | Source: Instagram/jlo
The ceremony was personal, with the couple walking down the aisle to “True Companion” by Marc Cohn. Lopez 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, Lopez 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 Affleck any support as well.
Jennifer Lopez at Paris Fashion Week in Paris, France on June 24, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez Have No Prenuptial Agreement
TMZ also reported that the divorce documents reveal Lopez and Affleck did not have a prenuptial agreement. Despite their previous marriages and significant wealth, they didn’t protect their finances. As a result, any earnings or profits made during their marriage will be treated as community property.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck in New York City on September 26, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Bennifer Are Still Hashing Out the Sale of Their Marital Home
Although Lopez 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. Lopez and Affleck are searching for new homes, signaling the end of their shared life together.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck in Los Angeles, California on April 26, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
The duo 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
Over the next 20 years, both married other people—Lopez with Marc Anthony and Affleck with Jennifer Garner—but they reunited three years ago. Since then, they often appeared together at public events, promoting each other’s projects. Affleck even appeared in Lopez’s Amazon Prime Video special, “This Is Me … Now: A Love Story.”
Lopez’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 Affleck. Fans followed their love story through Lopez’s social media and newsletter updates.
However, in May, Lopez unexpectedly canceled her summer tour, saying she needed time with her family—a decision that hinted at the couple’s split and eventual divorce.