Jennifer Lopez was seen looking somber while grabbing a bite at a pizza restaurant on July 27.
The singer’s mood was reflective of the challenging news that she and her husband, Ben Affleck, are moving forward with their divorce. After a recent, unsuccessful attempt to reconcile, the couple is now finalizing their separation.
Sources revealed to DailyMail.com that while the divorce paperwork is complete, it has not yet been filed. Amidst the turmoil, Jennifer found solace in some comfort food, dining outdoors with two male friends in New York, just after her birthday celebrations.
In a turn of events, Ben Affleck purchased a new $20.5 million mansion in the Pacific Palisades on July 24, the same day Jennifer celebrated her 55th birthday.
This move has been described by Jennifer’s friends as a “stab to the heart,” especially since the couple had just listed their Beverly Hills mansion for $68 million.
That same day, Jennifer also wrapped up the sale of her four-bedroom New York City penthouse for $23 million, according to People. Despite their public separations, insiders suggest that the divorce papers were finalized a month ago, with both parties awaiting the right moment to make their announcement.
The State of Their Relationship
Sources close to the couple shared that a joint statement will soon be released, reflecting their mutual respect and the efforts they made to salvage their relationship.
Despite their best attempts, the couple couldn’t reach a compromise, acknowledging that their past is no longer viable.
DailyMail.com reached out to Ben and Jennifer’s representatives for comment. Since their last public appearance together on March 30, the two have spent the summer apart, with Jennifer primarily on the East Coast and Ben in Los Angeles. They even marked their second wedding anniversary on July 16 in separate locations.
Future Plans and Past Homes
Reports of trouble in paradise first surfaced in May when it was noted that Ben had moved into a $100,000 rental property, and the couple was planning to sell their dream home.
Ben’s new property, a luxurious mansion with five bedrooms and six bathrooms, is located not far from his ex-wife Jennifer Garner’s Brentwood home.
Jennifer’s former penthouse was a spacious four-bedroom, 7.5-bath duplex. Despite buying their $60 million dream home in May 2023, Ben and JLo have yet to find a buyer for it.
Friends Weigh In
A source told In Touch that while Ben had already moved out, the couple’s dream house might be sold.
The source noted that while their love persists, their differences were too great to overcome.
An LA-based friend of Jennifer’s commented that if the situation were solely about effort, Jennifer would certainly fight to make it work. Despite the current challenges, there is still hope and love, according to the friend.
Jennifer and Ben married at a Las Vegas chapel on July 16, 2022, and celebrated again with a grand ceremony in Georgia the following month.
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