Bennifer BACK ON! Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are spotted together again as he whisks her off for a romantic getaway to Montana... 17 years after split
- Exes Ben Affleck, 48, and Jennifer Lopez, 51, enjoyed a romantic getaway together at a luxury ski resort in Montana over the weekend
- DailyMail.com has obtained exclusive pictures of the pair, snapped together for the first time 17 years after their split
- It's the second time in just over week they've been spotted, amid rumours they have spent time at her LA mansion on multiple occasions, despite sources saying they are 'just friends'
- The actor is said to own a ski chalet at the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana, having taken family vacations there with ex-wife Jennifer Garner and their three children
- The former celebrity couple – then known as 'Bennifer' - were engaged in 2002 but postponed their 2003 wedding and officially split in 2004
- 'They have a strong connection. It's all been quick and intense, but Jennifer is happy,' a source said Monday following the trip
Ben Affleck whisked his former flame Jennifer Lopez away on a private jet this past weekend for a romantic getaway trip to a luxury ski resort in Montana, where the actor is understood to own a chalet.
In exclusive pictures obtained by DailyMail.com, Ben, 48, and Jennifer, 51, appeared relaxed and at ease around one another as they sat side-by-side in an SUV, with the Good Will Hunting star in the driver's seat, amid rumours he's been spending time at the singer's LA mansion on multiple occasions.
In pictures of the pair arriving back to LA, both Ben and Jennifer looked dressed for comfort as they stood close together while exiting the private plane following the short trip, where they had packed a considerable amount of luggage.
The actor is said to own a ski chalet at the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana - where he's believed to have stayed with Lopez - having taken family vacations there with ex-wife Jennifer Garner and their three children, Violet, 15, Seraphina, 12, and Samuel, 9.
Bennifer strikes again: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez spotted together AGAIN as they enjoyed getaway trip to luxury ski resort in Montana over Mother's Day Weekend
The Yellowstone Club is a private residential club, ski resort, and golf resort located in Madison County, just west of Big Sky, and attracts megastars like Bill Gates and Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel.
Sources have claimed to E! that the pair spent 'about a week' together at the club, and they 'were alone' during their stay. They arrived back in LA on Saturday.
It is the second time Ben and Jennifer have been spotted together in just over a week.
The former celebrity couple – who were engaged in 2002 but postponed their 2003 wedding and officially split in 2004 – have been seen reuniting with one another following JLo's split with ex-fiancé Alex Rodriguez, and the revelation that Ben has been an active user on the celebrity dating app Raya.
Both stars took part in the Vax Live concert in LA that was filmed on May 2, with Jennifer putting on a show-stopping performance in one of her trademark skimpy outfits, while Ben took to the stage with Jimmy Kimmel.
On Sunday, Jennifer posted a Mother's Day snap of herself with her 13-year-old twins Max and Emme and her mother Guadalupe Rodríguez, though it is not clear exactly when and where the photo was taken.
Rekindled: In exclusive pictures obtained by DailyMail.com, Ben, 48, and Jennifer, 51, appeared relaxed and at ease around one another as they then sat side-by-side in an SUV in Montana
Talking about their getaway, a source told PEOPLE on Monday: '[Jennifer] spent several days with Ben out of town. They have a strong connection. It's all been quick and intense, but Jennifer is happy.'
Things certainly seemed to have gone well between the former couple as another source added for People later that day: 'She had a great time with Ben. She is happy with him and enjoys spending time with him.'
Known as 'Bennifer' at the time of their romance, recent reports have suggested that the pair are now 'just friends,' though it certainly appears that they have grown much closer over the past few weeks.
Last month, Ben was seen arriving at Jennifer's home in a white Escalade SUV that is said to belong to the Hustlers star. He was later seen being dropped off by the singer's security.
What's going on here then: Known as 'Bennifer' at the time of their romance, recent reports have suggested that the pair are now 'just friends,' though it certainly appears that they have grown much closer over the past few weeks
In the driver's seat: Ben was pictured behind the wheel as he drove Jen around in Montana this weekend
Former lovers: The pair have sparked rumors they are now back together, and are seen sitting side-by-side in DailyMail.com's exclusive pictures
'I'm in senior high school all over again': Fans took to Twitter in their droves with nostalgic memories of when Lopez and Affleck first started dating in 2002
It was reported that the pair had seen each other on three separate occasions during that time, with the Gone Girl actor leaving his car at the Hotel Bel-Air and being picked up in Jennifer's vehicle hours later.
Lopez and Affleck started dating in 2002 and announced their engagement that November. In September 2003, just days before the couple was to say 'I do,' they called off their wedding. Months later the couple broke up for good in January 2004.
It has previously been reported that Montana is somewhere Affleck likes to go when he needs to ‘clear his head’ and once took one-time girlfriend there, Playboy model Shauna Sexton, after finalizing his divorce from Garner, 49, in 2018, after their ten-year marriage.
Leaving on a (private) jet plane: The stars travelled in style as they arrived back in LA after a luxury trip to Montana
Keeping close: It appeared as though Ben and Jen were dressed for comfort on their trip and kept very close to one another after they landed
According to TMZ, the actor reached out to J-Lo via email while she was in the Dominican Republic, with the pair continuing communications over the coming month.
The publication claims Ben penned an email to Jen about 'how beautiful she looked' while filming the movie, after pictures emerged of her shooting wedding scenes with her co-star Josh Duhamel.
He is also reported to have said he wished he could have been in the Dominican Republic too, but was filming The Tender Bar in Boston with George Clooney.
The pair are said to have continued communicating until Jennifer wrapped up filming in late April.
The publication claim Ben wrote in one of him emails about being able to 'own J-Lo's heart' with his pen after she gushed about his writing.
There is no suggestion the pair were romantically linked at this time. Jennifer was engaged to Alex Rodriguez, 45, but the pair officially announced their split on April 15.
MailOnline has contacted Ben and Jennifer's representatives for comment.
PDA: At one point it looked as though Ben and Jen were holding hands as they exited the private plane
Right behind you: It appeared Ben was a true gentleman as Jen left the plane first with him close behind
The pair's famous 2004 nickname 'Bennifer' soon began trending on Twitter, after the pictures emerged of the former flames in Montana.
Fans took to social media in their droves, with many sharing nostalgic memories from when the pair first dated.
One wrote: 'I'm a senior in high school all over again', while another added: 'If #Bennifer can get back together there is hope for all the others. This is like the early 2000's reincarnated. What a move to disrupt pop culture.'
A different fan chimed: 'Seems like I've woken up back in 2002'. #Is this for real? Did we go back in time with this pandemic? Are #Bennifer a thing again?', added another.
'In honor of #Bennifer of being back I'm plugging in my old iPod to see if it still works.' one person joked, referencing the popular gadget of the early 2000s.
Joy: Some celebs also chimed in like Kathy Griffin who admitted she was excited
Recycling: This user joked about JLo getting back with an ex
Coincidence? Several tweeters pointed out that the Bennifer have reunited at the same time the Brood X cicadas - a type of insect - have started reemerging from the ground after exactly 17 years
History repeats: Fans shared their excitement at the prospect of the famous couple reconciling and made jokes about it being like 2004 again
'I reject the return of low-rise jeans, but welcome the return of Bennifer discourse.' came another comment noting an early naughties fashion trend that has reemerged.
'cicada brood is here, bennifer is back, all we need is an Usher song of the summer and i'm ready for you 2004!' one user wrote.
Several tweeters also pointed out that the Bennifer have reunited at the same time the Brood X cicadas - a type of insect - have started reemerging from the ground after exactly 17 years.
'correlation does not imply causation AND YET #broodx #bennifer' another person wrote with the two headlines side-by-side.
Last week, the actor was caught up in an embarrassing revelation that he had been using celebrity dating app Raya, after his potential date Nivine Jay leaked a video from the actor where he asked her why she had 'unmatched' him on the service.
Weeks before, Jennifer confirmed she had split from Alex, 45, after four years, saying in a statement that they were 'better off as friends' amid claims of infidelity.
In a joint statement, they said of their decision: 'We have realized we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so...’
Back in LA: The pair were then seen together in an SUV as they landed in Los Angeles following the trip
Romantic getaway: Jennifer's luggage was seen being carried off the private plane after their jaunt
'We will continue to work together and support each other on our shared businesses and projects. we wish the best for each other and each other’s children.'
At the time of the initial split reports, it was revealed Lopez and Rodriguez were focusing on their children - Jennifer's 13-year-old twins Emme and Max and Alex's daughters, Natasha, 16, and Ella, 12.
Meanwhile, Affleck split from girlfriend Ana de Armas, 33, earlier this year after one year of dating.
Back to Jen's: It has been rumoured that Affleck has spent time at Lopez's LA mansion
Keeping cover: Sources had previously said Ben and Jen were 'just friends' though these pictures appear to tell a different story
In April, the Gone Baby Gone actor heaped praise on his ex Lopez in a gushing interview, calling her the 'hardest-working person' in Hollywood.
Affleck also lauded Lopez's youthfulness, saying: ‘Why do you look the same as you did in 2003 and it kind of looks like I'm in my 40s… at best?’
He went on: ‘She remains, to this day, the hardest-working person I've come across in this business.’
Steamy: Ben Affleck is said to own a chalet in the private Yellowstone Club resort (pictured above)
Exclusive: The Yellowstone Club is a private residential club, ski resort, and golf resort located in Madison County, just west of Big Sky, and attracts megastars like Bill Gates and Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel
Fireworks: Ben and Jen are rumored to have spent a week in the luxury resort
Cosy: Ben, 48, and Jennifer, 51, were spotted driving around together in an SUV, amid rumours that he's been spending time at the singer's LA mansion on more than one occasion
Family: Ben is said to own a home in the Big Sky area and used to take family vacations there with ex-wife Jennifer Garner and their three children, Violet, 15, Seraphina, 12, and Samuel, 9
Affleck also told The New York Times he believed Lopez should have been Oscar-nominated for her role in Hustlers.
'She should have been nominated. She's the real thing,' he said. 'I keep in touch periodically with her and have a lot of respect for her. How awesome is it that she had her biggest hit movie at 50? That's f****** baller.'
They were originally set to marry in Santa Barbara in September 2003, but they dramatically postponed their nuptials just one day before the event was scheduled.
In a statement about their decision, which they put down to spotlight they were under as a celebrity couple, they said, in part: 'We began to feel that the spirit of what should have been the happiest day of our lives could be compromised.'
Adding: 'We felt what should have been a joyful and sacred day could be spoiled for us, our families and our friends.'
Then, in January 2004, a rep for Lopez said: "Jennifer Lopez has ended her engagement to Ben Affleck. At this difficult time, we ask that you respect her privacy.’
Crossing paths: Ben and Jen both took part in the Global Citizen VAX LIVE: The Concert To Reunite The World at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on May 2
Single again: Meanwhile Ben split from girlfriend Ana de Armas, 33, earlier this year after one year of dating
While Affleck's rep reportedly said: 'I am not going to confirm anything about his personal life. We don't want to get dragged into quicksand. Everybody wants a war. It's not happening from our side.'
Public interest in the couple surged after they costarred together in the films Jersey Girl and Gigli, and even in her pop music video Jenny from the Block.
Lopez later said in 2016 that there was 'genuine love' between herself and Affleck, telling People Magazine in an interview: ‘I think different time different thing, who knows what could've happened, but there was a genuine love there.’
Both parties moved on after the split, with Lopez marrying Marc Anthony in 2004 and having twins Max and Emme in 2008, while Affleck married Garner in 2005, and welcomed three children together.
Lopez divorced Anthony in 2014, while Affleck and Garner divorced in 2018.
Ben Affleck's (mostly) A-List dating history
Ben Affleck has been known to date some of Hollywood's biggest leading ladies, as well as some brief flings with slightly lesser known faces.
As the 48-year-old looks set to reignite his romance with one of his most famous exes - Jennifer Lopez - DailyMail.com takes a look back at the Good Will Hunting star's dating history.
Affleck's first big romance was high high school sweetheart, Cheyenne Rothman. The pair were said to have met during a stay at summer camp, but it proved to be more than a passing fling.
Hollywood Royalty: Ben dated Gwyneth Paltrow in 1997
The couple would go on to date on and off for over seven years. They ended up breaking off their romance just as Affleck's fame rocketed with Good Will Hunting in 1997.
Once super famous, Affleck then entered a new dating pool, and was quickly linked to Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow.
Affleck and Paltrow first crossed paths at a dinner thrown by shamed mogul Harvey Weinstein and they became official a year later.
Childhood sweetheart: Ben and ex girlfriend Cheyenne Rothman at the Chasing Amy premiere in 1997
They split in 1999 but reconnected filming the movie Bounce, then ended things for good in 2000. Paltrow has since described the romance as 'being a lesson' and hinted that she was 'trying to heal' things from her childhood by dating him.
His personal life went into the stratosphere when he met Jennifer Lopez on the set of their flop movie Gigli.
The attraction between the pair was clearly instant, as they got engaged in November 2002, just months after Lopez had finalized her divorce from Cris Judd.
Way back when: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have reportedly been seen 'hanging out' at the singer's Los Angeles home following her split from fiancé Alex Rodriguez
Quickly dubbed 'Bennifer' they became one of the world's biggest celebrity couples, but postponed their 2003 wedding and officially split in 2004.
They both blamed the intense scrutiny under the spotlight for their cancelled wedding plans.
However, missing out on marriage with JLo lead Affleck to Jennifer Garner. The pair had worked together on Pearl Harbor in 2001, and on Daredevil in 2003.
Golden couple: Ben was married to Jennifer Garner for ten years (pictured 2007)
By October 2004 it was confirmed that Affleck and Garner were officially an item. They married in Turks & Caicos in June 2005, and went on to have three children together, Violet, 15, Seraphina, 12, and Samuel, 9.
Following their tenth wedding anniversary, and rumors that Affleck had cheated with their nanny Christine Ouzounian, the pair called it quits.
The divorce was not made final until 2018, and a few years later Affleck would later call the split the 'biggest regret' of his life.
Flings: Affleck had brief relations with former nanny Christine Ouzounian (left) and Playboy model Shauna Sexton (right) after splitting with wife Jennifer Garner
Garner appeared to confirm Affleck's relationship with their nanny, when she told Vanity Fair they had been 'separated for months' before he was linked to Ouzounian.
His first proper romance following the breakdown of his marriage was with SNL producer Lindsay Shookus in July 2017. There had been rumours that the pair were involved while he was still married though neither commented on the reports.
They appeared to be serious for a while with reports suggesting they had moved in together, but they briefly split in 2018, after which point Affleck had a fling with Playboy model Shauna Sexton.
Just for laughs? Affleck also briefly dated SNL producer Lindsay Shookus
Affleck and Sexton where seen vacationing together in Montana, which is where he most recently took old flame Lopez, but that romance was short lived. He got back with Shookus in February 2019, but the pair finished for good months later in April.
The actor appeared to be ready to settle down again when he began dating Ana de Armas, after they vacationed together in Havana, Cuba in March 2020.
Things moved at warp speed between the pair from then on, with Armas pictured getting to know Affleck's children, and they even played with a life-size carboard cut out of the Knives Out actress.
Burning out: Affleck enjoyed a whirlwind romance with Ana de Armas last year
Sadly, the relationship had burned out by January 2021, and the cut out poster was seen thrown into the trash outside Affleck's home in LA.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Affleck had been an active user on celebrity dating app Raya, after Nivine Jay leaked a video of the actor on TikTok.
Affleck can be seen in the footage asking Jay why she 'unmatched' with him, and wanted to post a message to prove it was really him.
Revealed: Earlier this month, it was revealed that Affleck had been an active user on celebrity dating app Raya, after Nivine Jay leaked a video of the actor on TikTok
Jennifer Lopez's highs and lows of her quest for love
Jennifer Lopez's romantic life has been a road filled with rocky passages and sharp turns.
And the 52-year-old hitmaker shocked the world last year when she called off her engagement to New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez and rekindled her relationship with Ben Affleck.
Now, with Jennifer confirming she's engaged to the 49-year-old Academy Award winner for the second time, MailOnline takes a look at all of the highs and lows of Jennifer's quest for love...
Highs and lows: With Jennifer Lopez recently confirming she's engaged to actor/director Ben Affleck for the second time, MailOnline is taking a look at all of the highs and lows of the 52-year-old singer's quest for love
Following stints on the CBS crime drama Second Chances and its spin-off Hotel Malibu in the mid-1990s, J-Lo shot to fame with her star-making turns in Selena and the jungle thriller Anaconda, both in 1997.
The Jenny From The Block singer was married to Cuban waiter and occasional actor Ojani Noa for a short period from February 1997 to January 1998.
Though the marriage was brief, it resulted in multiple tasteless legal challenges for the aspiring actress.
First time: The Jenny From The Block singer was married to Cuban waiter and occasional actor Ojani Noa for a short period from February 1997–January 1998 (pictured in 1998)
Following their divorce, Noa worked for Jennifer for six months managing her LA-based Cuban restaurant, Madre's.
After being fired from the position, he sued for breech of contract and threatened to release both a nude tape of his ex-wife and a tell-all book painting her as a perverted sex fiend.
Slime ball: After being fired from the position, he sued for breech of contract and threatened to release both a nude tape of his ex-wife and a tell-all book painting her as a perverted sex fiend (pictured in 1998)
'There is revealing video of Jennifer with a lack of clothing and in sexual situations, especially in the hotel footage from the honeymoon,' said Ed Meyer, an associate of Noa's, while the tape was on the market.
'The videos contain salacious material and are going to shock her fans.'
After a six-year legal battle, the Hollywood star was able to block the release of the tape and the tell-all from the 'gold-digging' ex.
High profile: While preparing the release of her debut album, On The 6, Jennifer sparked up a relationship with one of its producers, Sean 'Puff Daddy' Combs, 51 (pictured in 2000)
While preparing the release of her debut album, On The 6, Jennifer sparked up a relationship with one of its producers, Sean 'Puff Daddy' Combs, 51.
The record spawned the number one hit If You Had My Love and established her as a singer to be reckoned with.
Jennifer became an alluring palette for fashion designers during their relationship, and she debuted her most famous outfit during the Grammy Awards ceremony.
The green silk chiffon dress from Versace was super low-cut, extending below her navel and barely covering her cleavage.
Legal scare: The two were charged with criminal possession of a weapon in 1999, though the charges were later dropped against her as she was determined to be uninvolved (pictured in 1999)
Once again, though, Jennifer found herself embroiled in legal issues, this time far more serious.
On December 27, 1999, Jennifer and Sean were arrested following a shooting outside the Times Square Club in Manhattan.
The two were charged with criminal possession of a weapon, though the charges were later dropped against her as she was determined to be uninvolved.
Jennifer broke up with the rap mogul a month before his trial was slated to begin in 2001. He was ultimately acquitted on all charges.
Short-lived marriage: In late 2000, she met Chris Judd, 51, a dancer and songwriter, when he directed her Love Don't Cost A Thing music video. The two were quickly inseparable, and married on September 29, 2001. By June of 2002 they had split, and the divorce was finalized in 2003 (pictured in 2001)
The Out Of Sight star launched into another short-lived romance immediately following her break-up with Puff Daddy.
In late 2000, she met Chris Judd, 51, a dancer and songwriter, when he directed her Love Don't Cost A Thing music video.
The two were quickly inseparable, and married on September 29, 2001. By June of 2002 they had split, and the divorce was finalized in 2003.
Bennifer: J-Lo's most high profile romance was her relationship with Ben Affleck, 48, whom she dated from 2002 to late 2003 (pictured in 2003)
J-Lo's most high profile romance was her relationship with Ben Affleck, 49, whom she dated from 2002 to late 2003.
The two met on the set of Gigli, their ill-fated romantic comedy that was a critical and commercial bomb.
Ben proposed to Jennifer in November 2002, and media outlets began to refer to the couple as 'Bennifer,' launching the era of celebrity couple nicknames.
The two called off their September 2003 wedding ceremony in Santa Barbara, California, only a day before.
The relationship wasn't meant to be at the time, and they split in January 2004.
But 17-years later in May 2021, the former Hollywood power couple rekindled their famous romance.
Media sensation: Ben proposed to Jennifer in November 2002, and media outlets began to refer to the couple as 'Bennifer,' launching the era of celebrity couple nicknames (pictured in 2003)
Following the near-marriage to Ben, Jennifer began her longest relationship to date with Latin singer Marc Anthony, 52.
He became her third husband when the two married in 2004, less than a year after her split from Ben.
In 2008, she and Marc welcomed twins, Maximilian and Emme, now 13.
The couple announced their separation in July 2011, and the divorce was finalized in 2014, with Jennifer retaining physical custody of their two children.
Long-lasting: Following the near-marriage to Ben, Jennifer began her longest relationship to date with Latin singer Marc Anthony, 52 (pictured in 2007)
Growing family: He became her third husband when the two married in 2004, less than a year after her split from Ben. In 2008, she and Marc welcomed twins, Maximilian and Emme, now 13 (pictured in 2005)
Rebound: Following the dissolution of her longest marriage, the Maid In Manhattan star sparked up a more casual relationship with her former back-up dancer Casper Smart, 33, from 2011-2016 (pictured in 2016)
Following the dissolution of her longest marriage, the Maid In Manhattan star sparked up a more casual relationship with her former back-up dancer Casper Smart, 33.
The two were on and off following her separation from Marc in 2011 through August 2016.
In February 2017, Jennifer began dating Alex Rodriguez.
Making it last: In February 2017, Jennifer began dating Alex Rodriguez (pictured in 2019)
She seemed to have something special with Alex. The New York Yankees star fostered a loving, blended family with his soon-to-be wife and her children.
He brings daughters Ella Alexander, 12, and Natasha Alexander, 16, to the relationship. The combined family are often together during outings.
The couple have long hinted they did see a wedding in the future, though have been allowing things to unfold naturally rather then rush into an engagement.
The actress told People in 2019 that the couple would 'think about getting married... it will happen naturally when and if it's supposed to.'
Loving couple: She seemed to have something special with Alex. The New York Yankees star fostered a loving, blended family with his soon-to-be wife and her children (pictured in happier times)
Having tied the knot three times, Jennifer explained she wanted to be absolutely certain the fourth time was the charm.
'I rushed into three different marriages. At this point I want to be sure.'
Yet in March 2021, it was reported that the duo had 'split' over his 'friendship' with Southern Charm's Madison LeCroy a factor.
In February, Madison claimed that she spoke with Rodriguez over the phone but insisted it was 'innocent' and that he 'never physically cheated' on Jennifer.
However, a source told DailyMail.com at the time: 'Alex has never met or spoken to Madison or anyone from the show.'
In April, the former couple confirmed their split, announcing: 'We have realized we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so.'
Claims: Yet in March 2021, it was reported that the duo had 'split' over his 'friendship' with Southern Charm's Madison LeCroy, pictured, a factor
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