The day after Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, the actor was seen in Los Angeles, igniting widespread speculation among fans. While the official end of their marriage came as no surprise to those following the couple’s turbulent relationship, Affleck’s actions have left many talking. Could his behavior hint at more than just a reaction to the divorce?
On August 20, 2024, Jennifer Lopez made a bold move, filing for divorce from Ben Affleck after two years of marriage. This decision comes after months of speculation about the couple’s relationship. It marks the end of a chapter that once captivated fans worldwide. As news of the filing spread, attention quickly turned to Affleck, whose next steps have only added fuel to the fire of public curiosity.
Ben Affleck spotted in Los Angeles, California, on June 7, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
With the divorce now public, all eyes are on Affleck. His recent actions have sparked conversations, hinting at a deeper story yet to be told. As the story unfolds, many are left wondering: what does this mean for both stars moving forward?
Jennifer Lopez walks ahead while Ben Affleck follows in Los Angeles, California, on March 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The Day of the Split
The official date of separation between Lopez and Affleck was listed as April 26, 2024, in the divorce documents. This day appears to have been a significant turning point in their relationship, offering a glimpse into the cracks that had been forming for some time.
Jennifer Lopez spotted out in Los Angeles, California on August 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
On that day, Lopez was in New York City, and her demeanor was telling. Paparazzi captured her leaving The Whitman, an upscale apartment building in Manhattan, looking noticeably upset.
Jennifer Lopez is seen in New York City on April 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
She was dressed in a comfortable, oversized sweater and blue jeans, her face betraying the emotions she was clearly struggling to contain. With pursed lips and furrowed brow, Lopez’s expression hinted at the heavy weight she was carrying.
Jennifer Lopez is seen in New York City on April 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The day could have marked a celebration for Affleck and Lopez—it was their second wedding anniversary. Instead, it became the day Lopez officially filed for divorce, a move that shocked some but seemed inevitable to those aware of the couple’s ongoing struggles.
Jennifer Lopez is seen in New York City on April 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
At the same time, Affleck was in Los Angeles, far from the Big Apple. He was on the set of his upcoming movie, “The Accountant 2,” which suggests that the couple may have ended things over the phone.
Ben Affleck is seen in Los Angeles, California on April 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The distance between them, both physical and emotional, likely played a significant role in the deterioration of their relationship. Despite a visit from Affleck to New York just weeks earlier, where the couple was photographed together, it was clear that things were not as they seemed.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were seen walking a bit apart from each other in New York City on March 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
On August 20, the very day that Lopez filed, Affleck’s attention seemed to be focused on family. The actor was seen returning to Los Angeles after a significant trip with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner. The two had just dropped off their eldest daughter, Violet, at Yale University, marking a major milestone in their family life.
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are seen on June 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
This moment, shared by Affleck and Garner, appeared to be one of unity and cooperation, a testament to their commitment to co-parenting despite their past. As they arrived back in Los Angeles, both parents looked composed, showing a united front as they navigated this important family event together.
The contrast between this family-focused event and the looming divorce news sets the stage for a deeper look into how Affleck is coping with the end of his marriage. As the day progressed, it became clear that this was just the beginning of a challenging period for the actor.
Ben Affleck seen in Brentwood, California, on June 12, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
The Day After the Divorce Filing
The day after Lopez filed for divorce, Affleck was spotted looking noticeably stressed as he navigated his day in Los Angeles. The actor was seen driving to his office, and what stood out to many was the sight of him smoking a cigarette, his car windows rolled down.
It was a simple act, yet it spoke volumes to those observing from the outside. The day before, Affleck was seen donning a casual attire. He was dressed in a gray T-shirt and jeans, but what caught the public’s attention was the absence of his wedding ring.
In the past, both Affleck and Lopez had been seen with and without their rings during various outings, fueling speculation about the state of their relationship. However, on this particular day, the lack of a ring seemed to carry extra weight, especially in light of the divorce filing.
Affleck’s behavior, seemingly ordinary to some, carried significant weight in the eyes of the public. The combination of his solitary drive, cigarette in hand, and the missing wedding ring suggested that the reality of the divorce was beginning to take its toll.
Ben Affleck seen looking stressed, dated August 22, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@Entertainmentworld04
The public, ever curious, was left to wonder what these signs might mean for the actor’s future and how he would navigate the coming days and weeks.
Fan Reactions
As images of Affleck circulated online the day after Lopez filed for divorce, the internet erupted with a mix of sympathy, criticism, and speculation. Fans and observers were quick to share their thoughts, and the reactions revealed how divided public opinion is when it comes to the actor.
Ben Affleck seen looking stressed, dated August 22, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@Entertainmentworld04
Some expressed concern over Affleck’s visible stress. “He always [looks] stressed,” one Instagram user noted, while another exclaimed, “Unstable man!”
The discussion continued across platforms, with some on how Affleck “looks strung out and uptight all the time, a real ball of misery.” Others were more blunt, with one user stating, “Embarrassing,” and another remarking, “No wonder he looks worn out—cigarettes do that to your skin.”
Ben Affleck spotted out in Los Angeles, California on June 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
On one side, some expressed deep concern for Affleck, viewing his stressed appearance as a sign that he was struggling to cope with the end of his marriage. “This guy has gone [through] hell and back,” one supporter.
Others echoed this sentiment, with some fans feeling that Affleck’s visible stress was understandable given the circumstances. “Poor guy,” one user remarked. “Too bad, there’s probably something wrong with him. She loves him,” said one Lopez supporter.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck share a kiss on their wedding day, posted in August 2023 | Source: Instagram/jlo
The absence of his wedding ring also fueled speculation, with fans and followers interpreting it as a clear sign that Affleck had mentally and emotionally checked out of the marriage. This small detail, combined with his overall appearance, led to a flurry of online debates about his state of mind and what his future might hold.
Ben Affleck spotted out in Los Angeles, California on June 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
As the dust begins to settle from the shocking news of Lopez and Affleck’s divorce, the focus is shifting to what lies ahead for both stars. With their high-profile relationship now officially over, fans and observers alike are speculating about how each will move forward.
Ben Affleck seen looking stressed, dated August 22, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@Entertainmentworld04
For Ben Affleck, the recent public appearances and the intense scrutiny surrounding his every move suggest that he might be facing significant challenges in the aftermath of the divorce. The actor has a history of struggling with personal issues, and the public display of stress and exhaustion seen in recent days has led many to wonder how he will cope.
