For some weeks, there have been persistent rumors that Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are on the verge of getting a divorce. However, they have not yet made an official announcement regarding this matter.
In addition, sources close to the actor have disclosed that Ben is already making preparations for a "freedom party" to commemorate the conclusion of their relationship. He is also taking the risk of incurring the wrath of Jennifer by traveling to the location where they went to get married.
“Ben just wants to get away from it all and enjoy himself again, and he wants to take his close friends with him. He’s talking about arranging a big blow out at his place in Georgia, which is pretty ironic since that’s where he and J-Lo had their big wedding. There’s also some talk of doing it in Las Vegas as he still loves to play poker and a lot of his friends do too – but that’s where they legally got married!” an unnamed insider told Heat UK.
“No matter where he chooses to have this party, even if it’s somewhere that has no connection to his marriage, like Mexico, it’s going to be hurtful for J-Lo because this will be seen as him essentially celebrating escaping their relationship,” the informant went on.
Following rumors that Ben, who is 51 years old, had moved out of the Beverly Hills house that he shares with Jennifer, who is 54 years old, speculation that their marriage was on the verge of dissolution emerged in the month of May. As they secretly attempt to sell their mansion, it is reported that he is currently residing in a rental property in Brentwood, which is located in the state of California.
In addition, Ben and Jennifer has not done much to refute the rumors, despite the fact that they have made multiple public appearances at family gatherings. They tied the knot in July 2022, which was 18 years after they broke off their preliminary engagement.
Earlier this month, the “Let’s Get Loud” singer, who is the mother of twins Max and Emme, who are 16 years old, with her ex-husband Marc Anthony, caused a stir when she went on a vacation across Europe by herself. She was photographed unwinding on a boat in Italy and going to the same restaurant that she and Ben had dined at during a romantic trip three years ago. After that, she flew to Paris.
In the meantime, Ben, who has been photographed wearing his wedding ring on and off, has caused a stir after spending time with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner, who is the mother of his children Samuel, who is 12 years old, Seraphina, who is 15 years old, and Violet, who is 18 years old, Page Six reported. To add insult to injury, Jennifer Lopez was recently seen making her way to Ben's offices in Los Angeles for what was described as a "three-hour showdown." This is a clear indication that things may be closing down.
In spite of the fact that Jennifer Lopez would undoubtedly be incensed by Ben's planned vacation plans, the tipster stated that Ben has emphasized that the trip is nothing more than an opportunity for him to indulge in some quality time with his friends and let his hair down.
“From his point of view this would just be a way to show some appreciation to his friends that have supported him through a really tough time. He hasn’t been himself these past few months, he’s been so consumed with this break-up, and even before that he went MIA because he was in his bubble with J-Lo. He regrets that and wants to make it up to his friends, and he wants to cut loose and have some fun, he’s been really struggling, and he needs to have some fun and just relax,” the mole said.
“Ben has missed his friends so much. When he was with J-Lo he hardly got to spend any time with them because she would always complain or get moody when he wanted to hang with the guys. He hated upsetting her or dealing with drama, so his solution was to include her. But unfortunately, his friends never really clicked with her, so it was always awkward and eventually became more of a hassle than it was worth,” it added.
“Even his brother Casey stopped coming around and their relationship suffered big time. Ben’s putting the blame on himself and admits he had such love blinders on when he was in the honeymoon stage with J-Lo that he neglected a lot of relationships in his life,” the spy went on.
Now, however, it is reported that Ben is looking forward to "establishing his own identity again" and that he is on a quest to "make up for lost time."
“He’s so grateful for the way everyone has stood by him during this whole break-up nightmare. He felt pretty sheepish having to admit that things weren’t working out, but none of them judged him or rubbed it in his face. He’s sworn he won’t ever take them for granted again and has said he wants to set up a weekly night that’s dedicated to a guys’ night and is non-negotiable, no matter what’s going on in his life,” the tattler suggested.
“But the first thing he wants is to have this party to show his appreciation and unwind. Back in the day Ben was famous for his parties, he planned everything and went all in. Now that he’s sober his idea of a good time is a lot different, so things won’t be as wild. The main thing is that he wants quality time with the guys, to bond with them again and show his appreciation for all they’ve done for him and all they put up with,” the naysayer furthered.
The news comes after it was previously reported that Jennifer, who fueled more suspicion when she canceled her greatest hits concert tour and took time off "to be with her children, family, and close friends," has been leaning on her exes in the aftermath of the separation rumors.
It was disclosed by a different source that Jennifer has been in communication with her former boyfriend Drake, who is 37 years old and whom she dated for a few months between the years 2016 and 2017, and that she has been chatting to him "almost daily."
“Jen’s been leaning on Drake over the last few weeks after he reached out to offer his support. He’s helping her get through what’s been one of the toughest times in her life. Drake’s been vocal about his mental health struggles and is currently taking some time out to focus on his own wellbeing, so knowing how in tune he is with his emotional health makes Jen feel very comfortable about being vulnerable and open with him,” the source divulged.
Business Times has reached out to Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez for comments.
