Jennifer Lopez, the ever-liked pop star, actress, and businesswoman, was once again in the headlines by making a move to officially drop Ben Affleck’s surname in her divorce filing. This is amidst speculations in their relationship, rekindled romance, and consequently their split, which had kept people talking for months. The couple that was believed by the media to be constructed right out of a dream fairytale with a whirlwind romance now seems to be putting that union chapter to rest.
Lopez-aka “J.Lo”-and Affleck are highly acclaimed actors and directors who first started dating in the early 2000s and became one of Hollywood’s most popular power couples. The couple-the nickname from fans being “Bennifer”-broke things off in 2004. Closing in on two decades after calling it quits for the first time, the world was shocked to witness how their love would regenerate as they tied their knot in 2021 in a very private, intimate ceremony.
But, as it would be, the audience’s interest in their love story, having started afresh, the marriage proved brief. In 2023, word filtered through that irreconcilable differences had torn the couple asunder, which consequently forced Lopez to file for divorce. Of importance happening from the part of the legal proceedings is that Lopez has opted to go back to her maiden name and discard Affleck’s last name.
This has been one of the most publicized decisions recently, as Lopez very, very publicly took on the new identity of Jennifer Affleck. In interviews following their marriage, she spoke about how it was a very traditional act of love and unity for her husband’s surname to be taken. The immediate breakdown of this marriage now means revision of that decision.
Lopez renaming herself was to revert back to who she was after the separation. To a woman who, at the height of her powers, single-handedly built an empire in everything from music, film, fashion, and cosmetics, a name change is going back to one’s roots, an affirmation of independence.
Both Lopez and Affleck will continue their respective careers as the world waits for the final nails in the coffin of this celebrity marriage. Along the way, Lopez has proven that she is resilient and would rise above personal adversity. Legally changing her last name from “Affleck” is not only a paper trail but one of self-sufficiency and inner strength in moving on, for sure.
