Back in 2002, the public was shocked (and pleased) to hear that sweetheart pop-star Jennifer Lopez had shacked up with actor heartthrob Ben Affleck. The news was a surprise for a few reasons.
One, the pair didn’t seem to have much in common between J. Lo’s Latina flair and Affleck’s blue-collar Boston origins. Second, the pair had met on the set of the disastrous film Gigli, which few could have predicted would lead to romance. The final shock came when the pair were engaged before the end of the year.
By 2004, the pair had split without ever saying ‘I do’. The breakup wasn’t a shock, though fans of both stars had hoped their relationship would last longer. For the next twenty years, ‘Bennifer’ became a highly-reference log in the pop culture ledger.
Just last month (July 2021), Lopez stunned the world by confirming rumors of a rekindled romance between the two with an Instagram post on her 52nd birthday. Shortly after, the pair were spotted by the paparazzi cruising the Mediterranean in a mega yacht worth $400 million.
Some of the photos looked staged, with one snap a seeming exact replica of early 2000s shots from her music video for ‘Jenny From the Block’. Others paid more heed to the pair’s destinations in areas like St. Tropez, Capri, and Monaco, where the couple was photographed sitting in the casino and later prepping for Lopez’s 52nd birthday party.
Despite J. Lo’s big birthday bash, the trip to the Casino de Monte Carlo seemed to be a stopover that Affleck requested. Multiple spectators reported Affleck was wearing a black suit with a crisp white shirt.
No Stranger to the Tables
Though he’s known for throwing A-list at-home poker tournaments with Hollywood elites, Affleck doesn’t always stick to Texas Hold’em. He’s also an accomplished blackjack player. In fact, he hinted in an interview that his skills caught the attention of casino staff back in 2014, who are often on the lookout for card counters.
As such, a trip to a prestigious location like the Casino de Monte Carlo in Monaco would be a must for Affleck. However, it’s unclear if the actor’s skills translated at the table. As one of the most storied card games still played, blackjack’s evolution has seen it take many forms, including American and European variations.
And, while it’s likely Affleck has played in Europe before, he’s most often seen hitting the tables in Vegas. Back in June, he was spotted at the Wynn resort in Las Vegas with Lopez’s mother, Guadalupe Rodríguez. The pair were seen conversing near the slots.
A Long Time Coming?
Many have been skeptical of Bennifer’s latest affair. After all, their yacht tour of the Mediterranean led to a conspicuously recognizable and endearing series of paparazzi shots. However, other aspects of the pair’s reunion, like Affleck gaming with Lopez’s mother, hint that the couple might be closer than ever.
A timeline of the pair’s interactions throughout the years highlights their ongoing connection. Though the pair parted ways in 2004 and went on to start families with other partners, they’ve repeatedly stuck up for one another in interviews.
In January 2021, Affleck said that Lopez was subject to unfair comments during their 2002 relationship. Months later, in May, he stepped forward to comment on Lopez’s timeless glamour and unmatched work ethic.
Shortly after, Lopez and baseball star Alex Rodriguez parted ways. Only weeks later, Affleck was reportedly spending time at J. Lo’s Los Angeles home. Then came a trip to Montana, followed by a vacation in Miami, and then an outing to Universal Studios.
By the time the pair were confirmed to be dating via Lopez’s Instagram account while on vacation, there was ample speculation that they’d reunited. The big question now is whether their summer fling will last.
Oddly enough, Affleck’s Monte Carlo stopover may be a hint that the pair are enjoying smooth sailing. Though the trip was organized for J. Lo’s extravagant 52nd birthday bash, the Monaco docking seemed to be a treat for Affleck, hinting she’s not afraid to make last-minute changes with her partner in mind.
