Jennifer Lopez’s 55th birthday on July 24 should have been a joyous occasion, but it was overshadowed by an uncomfortable coincidence. Her husband, Ben Affleck, was notably absent from the celebration in New York—just as he had been a week earlier for their second wedding anniversary. To make matters worse, Ben closed on a $20.5 million Los Angeles home the same day as Jennifer’s birthday, fueling speculation that their marriage might be in trouble.
This latest development comes amid a series of signs that their relationship is strained. According to Life & Style, “A few weeks ago, something shifted… Ben got colder and he’s since ghosted her. They only talk through lawyers at this point, and J. Lo’s finding it humiliating.”
Further complicating matters, the couple recently listed their Beverly Hills home and Ben has reportedly moved into a rental. Their decision to spend time apart on opposite coasts has raised questions about their future together.
Jennifer, who once saw Ben as her soulmate, now faces the reality that her fourth marriage may be faltering just two decades after their initial breakup. An insider revealed, “Jennifer thinks Ben’s being an insensitive brat and wants him to man up, quit the brutal mind games, and treat her with more respect. She’s not going to take being treated so poorly anymore. J. Lo’s ready to fight — this means war.”
Reports suggest the couple had already been experiencing a rocky period before these recent events. Sources revealed they had engaged in intense “screaming matches” and even called crisis managers to help decide their future. Part of their struggles stems from contrasting viewpoints. Jennifer’s recent launch of her booze brand, Delola, clashed with Ben’s recovery from alcoholism. Additionally, their differing attitudes toward fame have caused tension, with Ben uncomfortable with Jennifer’s very public lifestyle.
Earlier this year, the Marry Me star released a series of projects, including an album, film, and documentary, that chronicled her renewed happiness with Ben. The documentary even offered a candid glimpse into their relationship, with Ben admitting that they were working on navigating their differences, particularly around privacy.
Through it all, Jennifer has tried to remain composed. “J. Lo feels she’s kept her side of the street clean with the way she’s handled this situation,” an insider explained. Despite her efforts to give Ben space without “trash talking or game playing,” it seems the situation has escalated.
Ben reportedly shared Jennifer’s desire to put on a united front, even from a distance. However, with growing rumors and public scrutiny, it remains unclear if their relationship can recover from this tumultuous chapter.