Ben Affleck has officially removed his wedding ring amid reports that his marriage to Jennifer Lopez has been effectively over for months.
The 51-year-old director was spotted without his ring while arriving at his Los Angeles office on Tuesday.This development follows recent claims that Affleck, alongside 54-year-old J.Lo, have been apart since March, as detailed by a source speaking to Page Six on July 1. Despite their separation, the insider noted Affleck remains “very protective of Jennifer.”
The couple, who haven’t been seen together in nearly a month, has been at the center of ongoing speculation regarding their relationship status and is reportedly on the brink of divorce.
Adding to the narrative, it was reported on July 1 that the pair is liquidating artworks from their $60 million Bel-Air mansion in California, which was listed for $65 million last month. According to Page Six, various paintings and other items were sold to collectors in early June.
The last public sighting of the couple together was on June 2, when they shared an awkward cheek kiss at their son Samuel’s basketball game in Los Angeles.
Further complicating their living arrangements, Affleck reportedly retrieved his belongings from their shared residence while Lopez was vacationing in Italy last month. Lopez continues to reside in their Bel-Air mansion, while Affleck has settled into a $100,000-per-month rental near his ex-wife Jennifer Garner.
“Ben continues to live at the Brentwood rental,” a source confirmed. “He’s been there for about two months now. He seems okay. He’s been at his office every day and seems focused on work. He’s also spending time with his kids.”
In contrast, Lopez has been enjoying her summer, seen in Paris and Italy with close friends. Despite their separation, the duo maintains professional ties, with Lopez set to star in two upcoming films produced by Affleck and Matt Damon’s production company: “Unstoppable” and “Kiss Of The Spider Woman.”
Recently, a source disclosed to DailyMail.com that Lopez has reached her limit in attempting to salvage the marriage: “Jenny has had enough and she really tried but she can do no more, it’s not getting any better, it’s worse.” The insider cited Affleck’s perpetual “grumpy and negative” demeanor as a significant factor in their rift.
While saddened by the end of her marriage, Lopez is focusing on personal growth and plans for the future, including resuming her “This Is Me… Live” tour in the summer of 2025. She postponed the 2024 tour to regroup after recent challenges.
“She is excited about going on tour next year when her personal life is on calmer ground and she can connect with her fans,” the source added.
Throughout the ordeal, Lopez has been taken aback by the negative press, which she believes is unwarranted. “If people could see what she has really gone through they would be easier on her,” the source said.
Reflecting on their dynamic, the source remarked on Affleck’s complexities: “He chain smokes and cusses and seems irritated a lot of the time. Great director and actor, but not a lot of laughs with him, you know? He is a wonderful father though.”
Despite the challenges, the source highlighted Lopez’s efforts: “She really tried hard to make it work, and it just did not work. She invested a lot of time and energy, and I think he did the same. There is no one to blame here.”
Their journey together began in 2002 during the filming of “Jersey Girl,” leading to an engagement the following year and a subsequent breakup in 2004. They reunited in spring 2021, culminating in a whirlwind of events from a Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022 to a lavish wedding at Affleck’s Georgia estate in August 2022.
