Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s highly publicized marriage has come to an end, with Lopez filing for divorce this week. The news may not have surprised many, given the months of speculation surrounding their relationship. However, friends close to Lopez insist that the singer and actress tried everything she could to save the marriage.

Trouble Behind the Scenes

According to sources, Lopez, 55, was deeply invested in making her marriage to Affleck, 52, work. Despite the couple living apart for months, she held onto the hope that they could reconcile. “She loves him; she will always love him—that’s the problem,” a friend revealed, highlighting Lopez’s struggle to let go. Another source added, “She truly believed this was the greatest love story she’d ever known, and she was finally getting her chance at the fairy tale.”

Affleck, however, seemed less committed to the relationship. Friends of Lopez were reportedly disappointed when he didn’t join her for her 55th birthday celebration in the Hamptons, which she spent with family and friends at a “Bridgerton”-themed party. Instead, Affleck was spotted in Hollywood, spending time with friends at various social spots, including the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

The Final Straw

Lopez filed for divorce on the second anniversary of their wedding, a lavish ceremony held at Affleck’s estate in Georgia. The timing of the filing was symbolic, marking the end of a relationship that many had hoped would last. In the documents, Lopez requested to drop Affleck’s last name and cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.

Friends of the couple believe that Affleck’s “darkness” played a significant role in the marriage’s demise. “Ben has a darkness to him that no other person can fix,” one insider said, adding that even his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, couldn’t help him overcome it. Another source mentioned that Affleck’s solitary nature and reluctance to fully commit to a relationship were major factors in the breakup. “The kind of big love Jennifer believes in, that sort of all-consuming devotion. Ben played along for a while, but it’s just not who he is,” the source explained.

A Relationship Doomed from the Start?

Affleck and Lopez first met in 2002 on the set of the movie Gigli and quickly became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples. Their first engagement was called off in 2003, just days before their wedding, with Lopez later admitting that the intense public scrutiny contributed to their breakup. They both moved on, with Lopez marrying singer Marc Anthony and Affleck marrying actress Jennifer Garner.

When they rekindled their romance in 2021, fans were excited to see “Bennifer” back together. However, those close to the couple say that the same issues that plagued their first relationship resurfaced. A Hollywood insider noted, “Jennifer believed love would conquer all, but she didn’t stop to consider who the actual man was in this fairy tale.”

The Impact on Their Families

The couple’s divorce has also affected their blended family. Lopez shares twins Max and Emme, 16, with ex-husband Marc Anthony, while Affleck has three children, Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12, with Garner. According to sources, the children are handling the split as well as can be expected, with both Lopez and Affleck trying to make the transition as smooth as possible

Affleck’s behavior in the months leading up to the divorce has reportedly added to Lopez’s pain. He was accused of being distant and neglectful, particularly around significant dates like their anniversary and Lopez’s birthday. “He’s made no effort to even try to work things out,” a source said, describing his actions as “cowardly.”

Moving Forward

As Lopez prepares to promote her new movie Unstoppable at the Toronto International Film Festival next month, she is also dealing with the fallout from her failed marriage. Despite the challenges, those close to her believe she will come out stronger on the other side. “Jennifer gave this everything she had; her whole heart,” a friend said. “She would have done anything to make this work.”

For Affleck, the end of the marriage marks another chapter in his complicated personal life. While he has expressed regret for the pain he has caused, those close to him say he is unlikely to change his ways. “Ben doesn’t dislike this side of himself,” a Hollywood insider noted. “He’s proud of the fact that he always has and always will take care of himself.”

As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how Lopez and Affleck will move on from their tumultuous relationship. For now, they are focusing on their families and their respective careers, hoping to find peace in the aftermath of their split.