Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck : Second round or replay ? (4/4)

The year 2021 opens with Ben Affleck's breakup with actress Anna Dearmas after a year-long relationship. Three months later, it's J-Lo's turn to part ways with the famous baseball player Alex Rodriguez, after a five-year love story tainted by suspicions of infidelity on the athlete's part. In April, as the sap rises, the two former lovers are on the verge of reuniting.

You are listening to Love Me, Love Me Not. Some stories have shaped our view of love with a capital L. But beyond romance, there is a backstage that we don't always know. In this podcast, delve into the most beautiful moments of love. As well as the worst. In this season, discover the hidden side of the star couple Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. From their first whirlwind love affair, highly publicized in the early 2000s, to their reunion 17 years later.

A passionate love story that fits into the chaotic love journey of the Bamba Latina. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, Episode 4, Second Round or Replay. In early May 2021, Ben Affleck has just finished filming the movie The Tender Bar, directed by his friend George Clooney. He is then contacted by InStar magazine for an interview.

The meeting takes place at the bar of a luxury hotel where Ben Affleck orders a beer. He then joins the journalist at a small square table in the back of the room. Career, filmography, awards, and the promotion of the latest film The actor is perfectly accustomed to the interview exercise. He has given hundreds since the beginning of his career. Completely at ease, he smoothly answers questions with undeniable ease and professionalism.

But the last question catches him off guard. Your ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez has just broken off her engagement with Alex Rodriguez. Any comments? Ben Affleck hesitates to respond. He did not come to talk about his ex, and this broken engagement brings back bad memories. But strangely, the mention of J Lo brings a tenderness that he hadn't felt in a long time.

Unexpectedly, he finishes the interview by expressing all the admiration and affection he still holds for the woman who shared his life 17 years ago. Driving home, memories flood into Ben Affleck's mind without warning. J-Lo's vibrant energy, their unique complicity, flashes of laughter. Snippets of whispered conversation Reminiscences of passionate kisses or simple and sweet moments. Strangely, only the best comes back to him.

Upon arriving home, Ben Affleck feels an irresistible urge to write an email to one of his first and greatest lovers. He wants to tell her that he talked about her in an interview. He wants to check in on her. He wants to let her know that he's thinking of her. It won't take long for the messages exchanged between her and Ben Affleck to lead to fiery reunions. J Lo knows, having experienced it before, that reconnecting with an ex has its allure. You already know each other.

The pressure might be The Bomba Latina doesn't hesitate for a second. In June 2021, the former lovers of paparazzi at a restaurant table, passionately kissing. This is enough to reignite the media worldwide. The iconic couple of the 2000s rekindling after 17 years of separation. It's the best of all Hollywood scenarios. Very quickly, Jayla gives numerous interviews detailing how she and Ben Affleck found each other. Apparently the second round of their story will not be marked by discretion.

The media spectacle resumes in a perfect copy paste of their first union. The only difference is that instead of getting engaged after four months, the couple will wait another six months. Before we continue this episode, let's take a short break to hear from our sponsor, without whom this podcast wouldn't be possible. Don't go away, we'll be right back.

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July 16, 2022. In Las Vegas, four couples stand in line to obtain a marriage license at the iconic 201 East Clark Avenue office. Among them are Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, each accompanied by one of their children to act as witnesses. The couple has emphasized that this time the key word for their union will be simplicity. Their idea of a more or less spontaneous wedding in Las Vegas seems to perfectly fit this need to do things without much fuss.

But wedding day and celebrity status demand the Divas hairdresser must also be part of the journey. Simplicity, yes, but star power above all. Once the paperwork is obtained, the couple heads to the famous A little white wedding chapel, where several celebrities like Britney Spears, Bruce Willis, and Pamela Anderson have tied the knot. Famous weddings indeed, but all ending in divorces, by the way.

While Ben Affleck puts on his suit in the chapel's restroom, keeping it simple, JLo slips into one of the two wedding dresses planned for the occasion, just before her personal hairstylist enhances her hair for the event. It's almost midnight when the priest finally celebrates disunion in a speedy ceremony, as tradition dictates.

This simple and intimate wedding is extensively covered by the media through JLo's newsletter, where she publishes several photos and invites fans to her website for all the details, in her own words. Let's recap. A wedding planned after a few months of a relationship, extensive media coverage, and almost constant exposure of their private life, the Benefer 2.0 couple gives the impression of deja vu.

Superficially, yes, it may seem like nothing has changed. However, the couple has come a long way. Their Vegas wedding is clearly a nod to the first one. Eagerly awaited by fans in the media, So meticulous. To touch perfection. So hopeful by both of them. Cutting short the expectations and speculations of others and simply taking the plunge, carried by the impulse of love and desire, is a strategy that differs significantly from the first one.

While it's true that the couple remains in the media spotlight, this time they set their own rules. The photos of their wedding are not stolen shots, but images taken by them and their children. A conscious decision to share. If everyone is going to seize their image, they might as well control it entirely. This is the new, more mature Less naive benefit the couple.

Take place a month later, at the end of August, at Ben Affleck's property in Savannah, where all their friends and family will be gathered. But the pressure of the event has evaporated in the desert of Las Vegas, and only love and joy radiate during this new symbolic day. A year and a half later, Ben and J Lo are more in love than ever. And still thank their lucky stars for giving them this second chance, which they embraced with naturalness and confidence.

The truth is, when we think of a beautiful love story, we envision two scenarios. The first, the one we all dream of, more or less unfolds the same way. Two people meet, love each other, withstand challenges that their love overcomes. And continue to move forward hand in hand until death do them part. The other scenario is the short version, where love does not withstand life's challenges. The breakup occurs and it's the end. The love story is relegated to the And it's time to move forward.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have taken a third path. A more winding road where love can still rise from its ashes long after it was believed to be dead. A path where time, experience, a maturity are precious allies to rekindle the flame. A flame that no longer burns, but now radiates an intense and comforting warmth. To part ways only to rediscover each other's. That's the scenario that allowed this iconic couple to win the In a love story, back and forths are not as rare as one might think.

We miss each other. We hesitate. We're not sure where we stand. We give it another try. And then, in the end, no. In 99% of cases, no is the conclusion that imposes itself. When you've been hurt once, disappointed, misunderstood, when there have been tensions, tears, Harsh words exchanged, even betrayals. Can you really start anew, even 20 years later? After issues of infidelity and alcoholism for him, which tainted his first marriage with Jennifer Gardner.

In three failed marriages for her, the Phoenix rising from the ashes might have slightly fragile wings, especially in Hollywood, where marriages waver more quickly than elsewhere. Ben Affleck and J Lo have given it another try, yes. For now. Thank you for listening to Love Me, Love Me Not, a Bababan production. This season was written by Claire Lou, narrated by James Brack and Deborah Reynolds, and directed by Celia Brondeau.

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