In today’s version of news that will have you asking ‘what year is it?,’ Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are reportedly back together 17 years after their engagement ended. Following the release of paparazzi photos of the two returning from a holiday together in Montana, the internet is buzzing.
And while nothing has been confirmed yet – though a source did tell People: ‘They have a strong connection. It’s all been quick and intense, but Jennifer is happy’ – things are looking good for Bennifer fans.
So, while we wait for someone for some more information, let’s take a look back at how we got here in the first place. From their meet-cute on set on Gigli to their first red carpet appearance, here is the complete timeline of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s relationship. Enjoy!
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's Relationship Timeline - Grazia

Ben and Jen meet for the first time on the set of Gigli. The film performs....not well, shall we say, but it brought us Bennifer so it's not all bad.

Months later, Jennifer files for divorce from her then-husband, Cris Judd, citing 'irreconcilable differences.' The statement from their lawyers read, 'Jennifer Lopez and Cris Judd have announced they have resolved all issues arising out of their marriage. The resolution was extremely amicable...The two will remain friends.'

In the autumn of 2002, Ben and Jen begin filming their next movie together, Jersey Girl.

Then, in November, Ben proposed to JLo with a pink-diamond solitaire chosen by himself and custom-made by Harry Winston. Speaking to Diane Sawyer, Jen said the proposal was 'traditional, but also in a very spectacular way, as of course Ben would do itu2026it was very, very beautiful.'

Also in November 2002, Ben starred in the music video for JLo's Jenny from the Block. In 2008, though, Ben came out to say he regretted being in the music video: 'If I have a regret, it was doing the music video. But that happened years ago. I've moved on...It not only makes me look like a petulant fool, but it surely qualifies as ungentlemanly?'

The couple make their first red carpet appearance together at the premiere of Maid in Manhattan.

Days before their wedding was scheduled to go ahead, the couple called off the ceremony, releasing a joint statement that said, 'Due to the excessive media attention surrounding our wedding, we have decided to postpone the date. When we found ourselves seriously contemplating hiring three separate 'decoy brides' at three different locations, we realised that something was awry.''We began to feel that the spirit of what should have been the happiest day of our lives could be compromised. We felt what should have been a joyful and sacred day could be spoiled for us, our families and our friends.'

Then, in January 2004, a spokesperson for Jennifer Lopez released a statement confirming Bennifer was no more: 'I am confirming the report that Jennifer Lopez has ended her engagement to Ben Affleck. At this difficult time, we ask that you respect her privacy.'

In June 2004, Jennifer Lopez married Marc Anthony. The two would be married for seven years and have two children together, twins Emme Maribel Muniz and Maximillian David Muniz.

A year later, Ben marries actress Jennifer Garner in a private ceremony. Their marriage would last until 2015 and the pair have three children together: Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony are officially divorced.

Speaking to HuffPost Live in 2015, JLo said of the Gigli era u2014 when she first met and got together with Ben u2014 'It was pretty tough...it was a very badly reviewed film. I was in a high-profile relationship at the time that fell apart in a really bad way, and so the kind of mix of those two things and the tabloid press had just come into existence at the time, so I was like a poster child for that moment. I was in the tabloids every other week about how my life was falling apart. It was a tough time.'She went on the say that she had 'no regrets' about her relationship with Ben: 'I would do it all over again I think. I really would. Even the relationship part.'

Then, the next year, Jen told People that when she first met Ben, she 'felt likeu2026 'Okay, this is it.'She went on to say: 'Sometimes I feel like what you think people are and how you see them when you love them is different than when they reveal lateru2026I think different time different thing, who knows what could've happened, but there was a genuine love there.' Interestingu2026

In March 2017, JLo and ARod begin dating. The couple will get engaged two years later in March 2019.

The divorce between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner is officially settled.

Speaking to The New York Times in February 2020, Ben says of Jennifer: 'She's the real thing. I keep in touch periodically with her and have a lot of respect for her. How awesome is it that she had her biggest hit movie at 50? That's fucking baller.'

In a statement exclusive to TODAY, JLo and ARod announce their split: 'We have realized we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so. We will continue to work together and support each other on our shared businesses and projects. We wish the best for each other and one another's children. Out of respect for them, the only other comment we have to say is thank you to everyone who has sent kind words and support.'

Following her split from ARod, Ben is seen visiting Jen at her home in LA. A source told People: 'They are friends. They have always been friends and they have seen each other through the years.'

It's been a big month for Bennifer! First, Ben compliments Jen for her InStyle cover, saying, 'She remains, to this day, the hardest-working person I've come across in this business. She has great talent, but she has also worked very hard for her success, and I'm so happy for her that she seems, at long last, to be getting the credit she deserves.'Then, they both attended the Vax Live concert event where Jen sang a song she wrote about Ben in 2002. And now, they reportedly went on holiday together in Montana, with a source telling TMZ that they're 'just friends.' Sure...
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