Commentary: Fans thought the media would be softer on Bennifer 2.0. They were wrong

As a movie critic who’s seen my fair share of Hollywood marriages crumble like a popcorn bag in the wind, I must say, the demise of Bennifer 2.0 feels like a punch to the heart. I’ve been rooting for Jennifer Lopez since her days as a Fly Girl on In Living Color, and watching her journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From Selena to Hustlers, she’s proven time and again that she’s got the talent and tenacity to shine brighter than a disco ball in a dark room.

It’s been a rough year for Jennifer Lopez.

Following several months of anticipation and whispers, I officially filed for divorce from Ben Affleck on our second anniversary of our Georgia wedding. Regrettably, Bennifer 2.0 came to an end, marking the conclusion of what seemed like a captivating fairy tale romance that had reignited after many years apart.

Initially, when photographs emerged in 2021 that suggested the reunion of the couple, a wave of enthusiasm and anticipation swept over fans. For instance, the image of Lopez stepping off a jet staircase wearing Affleck’s shirt following her split with Alex Rodriguez is one that comes to mind. A quick glance at social media posts and comments, both then and now, reveals that people were eagerly supporting their relationship. After their high-profile break-up in the early 2000s, they both moved on to other partners and had children, but each of their subsequent relationships ended. Now, with maturity and wisdom, Lopez and Affleck are back together, and the media landscape has changed significantly, especially regarding women’s representation. This change in media dynamics — a factor they attributed to their break-up previously — is something that may contribute to a more harmonious relationship this time around.

Or so we thought.

2024 saw Lopez kickstart her year by debuting her ninth studio album, “This Is Me … Now,” along with its musical film counterpart, “This Is Me … Now: A Love Story,” and a behind-the-scenes documentary, “The Greatest Love Story Never Told.” The musical film showcased an earnest, occasionally extravagant side of Lopez that delighted her fans. With a star-studded cast featuring friends like Jane Fonda, Sofía Vergara, Post Malone, and Neil deGrasse Tyson, the film was a must-watch. Given her prominent standing in the entertainment industry, creating a musical film was a logical step for someone as high-profile as Lopez, following in the footsteps of Beyoncé with “Lemonade.”

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Although the musical movie received generally positive reviews (it boasts a 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 61), there were also whispers that these projects may have revealed too much. In the documentary, Lopez shared Affleck’s love letters with her musicians to ignite inspiration — an act that caught him off guard. She was open about her relationship with Affleck, but it appeared he wasn’t as keen on sharing this aspect publicly. (Although he did contribute to the film’s production by playing the roles of a biker and TV anchor.) It seems she might have aimed to claim ownership over their love story’s narrative for a second time around, or perhaps to demonstrate to her fans that it is possible to achieve success in both career and love life — something not always guaranteed, especially for famous women of color. However, this approach seemed to spark controversy, leading the media to intensify its scrutiny.

As spring was wrapping up, news started to surface about sluggish ticket sales for Lopez’s tour accompanying her album “This Is Me … Now.” Speculation about her ability to draw a crowd as a musical artist sprang up on social platforms, with some suggesting she might be better off focusing on acting. However, it wasn’t just Lopez grappling with weak ticket sales; the concert scene has been struggling, despite Beyoncé and Taylor Swift selling out LA stadiums in 2023 and charging premium ticket prices. Even though her latest album didn’t perform well on charts, Lopez has had a successful singing career with numerous hits. It’s possible that an unstable economy and audiences being more cautious with their spending might have played a bigger role in the slow sales.

As a film buff, I’ve been closely following the story unfolding around Lopez, and it seems her personal life has been a significant driving force behind the scenes. When she decided to cancel her tour to prioritize her family, there was an escalation of speculation about her marriage. Come July, the house that Lopez and Affleck bought together in 2023 hit the market. Her “Bridgerton”-themed 55th birthday bash in the Hamptons, which Affleck seemingly missed, fueled more curiosity. A picture of Affleck sporting a fresh faux-hawk cut added to the intrigue.

Although we may never fully understand the details of their relationship, rumors swirled until an official statement or document confirmed the situation. The media’s scrutiny didn’t let up with version 2.0 either. Ultimately, their personal affairs aren’t our concern, but as a fan who admires Jennifer Lopez’s career journey – from her beginnings as a ‘Fly Girl’ on “In Living Color” to her iconic roles in “Selena” and “Hustlers” – I rooted for her personal and professional success. Few Latinas with diverse careers like hers exist, so it was rewarding to witness her thrive, especially given that she was reaching her 50s, an age when women in Hollywood and the music industry are often sidelined.

I’m glad to see that times are changing, and older women like Jennifer Lopez are no longer confined to certain roles or expectations. She’s got the charisma and talent to keep pushing boundaries, whether it’s through music, acting, or even filmmaking. Going through a divorce isn’t easy, and this isn’t my first rodeo either – I’ve been there before. But just like any challenge, it could serve as inspiration for my next project if that’s what I choose. The spotlight might shine brighter on my personal life, but my work has always been the driving force behind who I am and what I do.

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2024-08-21 22:31