COUPLESHow Bennifer 2.0 Came To Be: The Ultimate Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez Relationship Timeline
Like many early 2000's trends, the power couple known as "Bennifer" is making a come back.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were the "IT" couple back in 2002, acting in films together, walking red carpets and starring in iconic music videos that continue to live on in pop culture.
Now in the year 2021, following her very public split from Alex Rodriguez, the two are sparking romance rumors once again, after having spent a week alone together in Montana.
Now that they may reign as Hollywood's power couple once more, let's take a look back at how it all began.
2002: Bennifer Meets On The Set Of 'Gigli'
November 2002: Music Video Magic
Later on that year, the Good Will Hunting actor starred alongside Lopez in her iconic music video for the chart topping hit "Jenny From The Block." The video shows the two relaxing on a yacht, having an intimate moment at a fancy restaurant and pumping gas, all while being stalked by the paparazzi.
November 2002: A Whirlwind Engagement
Later on in November of that year, the Argo star popped the question to Lopez with the infamous custom-made Harry Winston pink-diamond solitaire ring. At the time, the glowing star told Diane Sawyer that she believed that her handsome fiancée was "brilliantly smart … Loving. Charming. Affectionate," and that she "admired him in every way."
2003: Hollywood's 'IT' Couple
As their popularity and the popularity of tabloid media ascended, the personal and private aspect of their relationship diminished. The duo were constantly being chased and hounded by paparazzi. Lopez recalled in a 2016 interview, "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.' It was just a lot of pressure."
September 2003: The Wedding Is Called Off
Even with the scrutiny of the media and the craziness around them, they planned their wedding day in Santa Barbara for September 2003. One day before the romantic ceremony was about to take place, the superstars called the event off, releasing a statement saying, "Due to the excessive media attention surrounding our wedding, we have decided to postpone the date."
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Later 2003: The Beginning Of The End
After the cancelation of what was meant to be the happiest day of their lives, the two broke up briefly, but then reconciled for a short period of time.
New Years Eve 2003: Seen Together For The Last Time
The fractured couple tried to repair their relationship towards the end of 2003, even spending New Years Eve together (pictured here) that year.
January 2004: Over For Good
By 2004, the couple known as "Bennifer" was no more and they officially ended their engagement of more than a year. The two blamed the media and public attention being thrust upon them as the reason for going their separate ways. Later down the line in 2016, the Selena actress said that there was "genuine love" between herself and Affleck and that "in a different time, different thing, who knows what could've happened."
2004: The Next Chapter Of Their Lives.....Separately
The same year as their breakup, Lopez quickly married latin singer Marc Anthony with whom she had twins Max and Emme in 2008. The two divorced in 2014 but remain close as co-parents. Affleck wed actress Jennifer Garner in 2005 and they had daughters Seraphina, 15 and Violet, 12, as well as son Samuel, 9. They split up in 2018 but remain close.
April 2021: Bennifer Back On?
After the musician's 2021 breakup with Rodriguez, OK! exclusively reported that Lopez and Affleck were "talking in private" and the hunky actor was spotted leaving the triple threat's L.A. home on April 30. The two had always remained close throughout the years with a source saying "When things started to get bad with Alex, Jen turned to Ben for advice."
May 2021: Rendezvous In Montana
The following week, reports were emerging that the two were spotted together at the ultra-exclusive and "romantic" Yellowstone Club in Montana where Affleck is a member. The two reportedly had a private chef, took walks together and dipped in the hot tub. A source told PEOPLE that "[Jennifer] spent several days with Ben out of town. They have a strong connection. It's all been quick and intense, but Jennifer is happy,"
