It took Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez 18 years to reunite after halting their engagement in 2004. Even though the two were considered the perfect Hollywood couple at the time, things ended on a sour note for the two at the time, with reports holding extensive media scrutiny responsible for it.
Almost two decades later, the two are now happily married, as they were quick to tie the knot after reconciling their bond in 2021. And the two have finally given an insight into their relationship, and how the split-up at the time affected them, with Lopez finally forgiving Affleck and herself.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Succumbed to the Pressure in 2004
Since the rekindling of their romance in 2021, the two have remained in the public spotlight just like they were in the 2000s. However, the extensive media scrutiny back then got the better of them, as days before their planned wedding, the two called it off, as Jennifer Lopez recalled the duo crumbling under the pressure. In the documentary, The Greatest Love Story Never Told, Ben Affleck and Lopez joined forces to reflect on their troublesome past, as the actress revealed that parting ways in 2004 was incredibly hard on her, as Lopez stressed that it was like losing a best friend.
“Ben and I, we broke up three days before our wedding. We had a big wedding planned—14 ushers and bridesmaids—and three days before, we just crumbled under the pressure… For all those years, it was really hard because I didn’t just feel like I lost the love of my life, I felt like I lost the best friend that I ever had. And I couldn’t talk for so many years, and that was the hardest part.”
The Mother Star also recounted being angry at Affleck and herself but admitted that their initial split in 2004 set them on a course to become better people.
Jennifer Lopez Can Finally Look Past Their Issues
On asked if she forgives Ben Affleck all the way, Lopez, with a smile on her face, said “Yeah, I think I’ve forgiven you all the way,” while stating that she needs to forgive herself. Despite the obstacles that came their way, the actress expressed that she has found peace by leaving past issues behind, and has come to terms with the fact that nothing is perfect. She said:
“I feel like I came out the other side. I’ve made it through. I’ve made something good of my life. I’m proud of that. But one of the parts of that was admitting to myself you’re not perfect, you’re not completely whole. And you know what? Something that’s worn and older and broken like a nice leather jacket or an old pair of boots is really beautiful. And kind of embracing the beauty of the scars that we pick up along the way.”
Even though the two also faced heavy media scrutiny following their reunion, it’s clear the couple have stopped entertaining the outside noise and are focused on ameliorating things between them.
The Greatest Love Story Never Told is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
