Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples, appear to be heading towards divorce after just two years of marriage. A source close to the couple has revealed that their differing views on public life are a major factor in their relationship troubles. According to the source, Affleck finds Lopez’s recent public appearances to be “cringey and contrived,” which adds fuel to ongoing divorce speculation.
Fundamental Differences
The couple’s contrasting lifestyles have become increasingly evident. Lopez thrives on media attention and public interactions, frequently sharing her life on social media. In contrast, Affleck prefers a quieter existence away from the spotlight. This fundamental difference has strained their marriage, with Lopez’s frequent public displays clashing with Affleck’s desire for privacy.
During their recent separation, Lopez has been seen enjoying lavish events and flaunting her glamorous lifestyle on social media. She celebrated her birthday with an extravagant Bridgerton-themed party in the Hamptons and posted numerous bikini photos. Affleck, meanwhile, remained on the West Coast, skipping his wife’s birthday celebration and choosing not to acknowledge their wedding anniversary publicly.
Affleck’s Discontent
A source disclosed to In Touch Weekly that Affleck is unsettled by Lopez’s public persona. “Of course Ben is well aware that J. Lo’s been staging photo ops all around the Hamptons to try and look like she hasn’t got a care in the world,” the source said. “But he knows otherwise, because when they talk, she shows a much different side, so all this phoniness is just making him relieved he doesn’t have to live in her made-up world anymore.”
The insider also mentioned that Lopez would need to significantly change her public behavior to mend their relationship. “But of course, she’s doing the opposite, and he finds it totally cringey and contrived.” The source added that Lopez’s image is reinforcing Affleck’s belief that ending the marriage was the right decision.
Affleck’s Disdain for Public Attention
Affleck’s aversion to media attention is well-known and was shared with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner. During a recent appearance on Kevin Hart’s Peacock show, Hart to Heart, Affleck discussed the challenges of being in the public eye with Lopez. “We went somewhere with [Jennifer] — I can’t remember because she’s so famous, and she creates this — people love her, and she really represents something important to people,” Affleck explained.
Affleck recounted a particularly overwhelming experience in Times Square, describing the scene as “f***ing bananas.” He admitted that his discomfort with attention often leads to a grumpy demeanor, saying, “This is why people see me, and they’re like, ‘Why is this dude always mad?’ Because someone had their camera sticking in my face, and I’m like, ‘OK, here we go.’”
Current Status and Future Prospects
Reports suggest that Affleck and Lopez have not seen or spoken to each other in weeks. Lopez recently returned to the West Coast, but not to reconcile with Affleck. Instead, Affleck has reportedly purchased a $20 million mansion, while Lopez spent her birthday in the Hamptons. Their lack of communication is reportedly causing delays in their divorce proceedings, with the couple opting to use business managers instead of lawyers to handle their financial matters.
As Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez navigate their separation, it’s clear that their divergent views on public life have played a significant role in their relationship’s unraveling.