Ben Affleck, 51, has debuted a striking new look amid swirling rumors of a potential divorce from Jennifer Lopez. Over the weekend, the actor was spotted in Los Angeles sporting a faux-hawk hairstyle, a Red Hot Chili Peppers t-shirt, skinny jeans, aviator sunglasses, and a black leather jacket. Notably, Affleck was not wearing his wedding ring, adding fuel to the speculation about the state of his marriage.
The couple, who have not been seen together publicly for two months, are reportedly preparing to file for divorce. Sources close to the situation told Daily Mail that the divorce documents are ready and will be filed at a later date. On Thursday, Lopez was seen without her wedding band, with her engagement ring moved to her right hand.
Affleck's new look has drawn comparisons to previous instances when he made dramatic changes to his appearance during personal crises. During his separation from his first wife, Jennifer Garner, Affleck revealed a massive back tattoo of a phoenix, which he initially claimed was for a movie role. He later admitted the tattoo was real, despite widespread criticism.
The latest makeover comes after a friend of Affleck's revealed to DailyMail.com that one of the major issues contributing to the couple's marital woes was Lopez's venture into the alcohol business. As a recovering alcoholic, Affleck reportedly felt insulted by his wife's decision to launch a brand of vodka and tequila, which he perceived as prioritizing financial gain over his sobriety.
Ben Affleck debuts new hairstyle in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/qUMLtOO7n2 — Bennifer Updates (@BenniferUpdates) August 4, 2024
The tension between the couple has been building for some time. In May 2023, Affleck moved out of their Beverly Hills mansion, and the couple put the property up for sale. Sources indicate that their final attempt at reconciliation failed, and their divorce documents are finalized but not yet filed. The couple plans to release a joint statement when they announce their separation, expressing their mutual respect and the effort they put into trying to make their marriage work.
Affleck and Lopez's rekindled romance initially captured the public's imagination when they got back together in 2021 after nearly two decades apart. The pair first dated in 2002, became engaged, but split in 2004 before marrying other people. They reconnected after Lopez's engagement to baseball player Alex Rodriguez ended, and they married in Las Vegas in 2022, followed by a lavish ceremony at Affleck's Georgia estate.
However, the fairytale reunion has since turned sour. Friends of Affleck have claimed that Lopez's need for constant public attention and her commercial pursuits have created significant strain on their relationship. "Her obsession with fame became too much for him. She needed to be photographed and adored," one friend said. "She would share so much of herself with the world that he felt there was nothing left sacred for him."
In contrast, Lopez has maintained her glamorous public persona, often sharing updates on social media. Recently, she has been promoting her alcohol brand and other ventures, while Affleck has reportedly been focusing on spending time with his children and working on the sequel to his film "The Accountant."
The disparity in their lifestyles and priorities has been evident. Lopez has been spotted in various high-profile locations, from a Bridgerton-themed pre-birthday party to shopping in the Hamptons and posing in haute couture in Paris. Affleck, meanwhile, has been seen in more low-key settings, often wearing casual attire or business suits for his professional engagements.
While neither Affleck nor Lopez has publicly confirmed the divorce rumors, their actions suggest that a split may be imminent. Reports indicate that Affleck has purchased a new $20.5 million mansion in California, described as a potential bachelor pad. The move, along with their separate appearances and lack of public unity, has led many to believe that the end of "Bennifer" is near.
