Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, affectionately known as “Bennifer,” have captivated audiences with their on-again, off-again romance for over two decades.
Their recent documentary, The Greatest Love Story Never Told — which debuted on Prime Video on February 27 — delves into the complexities of their relationship, offering a glimpse into the events that led to their initial breakup and their eventual rekindling.
Why Did Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Call Off Their Wedding?
The documentary sheds light on the factors contributing to their 2003 separation. J.Lo reveals that the intense media scrutiny surrounding their relationship, coupled with the pressure of planning a large wedding, ultimately caused them to crumble.
“We had a big wedding planned — 14 ushers and bridesmaids — and three days before, we just crumbled under the pressure.” Affleck echoes this sentiment, highlighting the “massive amount of scrutiny” as a significant factor in their decision.
However, the documentary also portrays the positive impact this separation had on both individuals. Despite the initial heartbreak, J.Lo acknowledges that the years apart allowed them to embark on individual journeys of self-discovery.
“I feel like I came out the other side,” she states, reflecting on her personal growth. “I’ve made it through. I’ve made something good of my life. I’m proud of that.” Affleck, too, expresses his own journey of self-reflection.
When Did J.Lo and Ben First Meet?
Lopez and Affleck first met in 2001, while on set filming the movie Gigli. Lopez was still married to her second husband, Cris Judd, at the time they met. However, Lopez and Judd divorced in 2002, shortly after which Lopez and Affleck went public with their relationship.
Their whirlwind romance quickly captured media attention, leading to the coining of the nickname “Bennifer.“
Bennifer 2.0: The Greatest Love Story Never Told
The pair’s new documentary chronicles their heartwarming reunion in 2021, culminating in their surprise Las Vegas wedding in July 2022. This was followed by a grand wedding celebration in Georgia, solidifying their rekindled love. Throughout the documentary, both J.Lo and Affleck emphasize the importance of forgiveness for past issues and the significance of personal growth in their renewed relationship.
The Greatest Love Story Never Told is not simply a celebrity love story. It delves into the complexities of love, loss, and personal growth, offering a relatable narrative for anyone who has experienced the challenges and triumphs of navigating love and relationships — and, of course, an exclusive inside look into one of Hollywood’s most notorious it-couples.
