Breakups don’t always have to be messy. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, who have now separated twice, are proving that, reports Page Six.
The Hollywood power couple first ended their engagement in 2004 and, after rekindling their romance in 2021, tied the knot in 2022. Yet, their second attempt at forever ended in 2024, with Lopez filing for divorce in August.
Despite their ongoing divorce, there’s no bad blood between the two. In fact, Affleck was recently spotted picking out a thoughtful Christmas gift for his ex-wife. According to a source close to the actor, he carefully selected a signed book by Marlon Brando, a gesture full of meaning for Lopez.
Why Marlon Brando?
Marlon Brando holds a special place in Lopez’s heart. Her styling team revealed that her iconic leather outfit for the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show—where she performed alongside Shakira—was inspired by a 1991 Vogue photoshoot featuring Brando. Known as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century, Brando’s legacy, including his role as Vito Corleone in The Godfather, has left an indelible mark on Hollywood and Lopez herself.
A Thoughtful Holiday Exchange
Affleck, 52, reportedly purchased the rare book at a shop in West Hollywood. The store owner, Louis Jason, confirmed that Affleck bought “a few books,” including the Brando gift. The pair met up for lunch at Soho House in Los Angeles, where Affleck gave Lopez the sentimental present.
An insider shared with Page Six, “Ben gifted Jennifer the book because she’s a fan, and her Super Bowl outfit was inspired by Brando.” The lunch date was brief, lasting just 30 minutes, and also included an exchange of small gifts, primarily for each other’s children.
“It wasn’t anything extravagant, just a kind gesture for the holidays. Despite the ongoing divorce, Ben and Jennifer have remained amicable,” the source added.
Spending the Holidays Apart
While the gift exchange was cordial, Lopez and Affleck are celebrating the holidays separately. Lopez revealed on Instagram that she’ll spend Christmas with her family, while Affleck is set to celebrate with his first ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, and their three children.
Affleck and Garner, who were married from 2005 to 2018, continue to co-parent their children amicably and are frequently seen together in public.
A Love Story Rewritten Twice
Lopez and Affleck first fell in love in 2002, becoming one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples. Their initial engagement ended in 2004. After years apart, they reunited in 2021 for a love story that captured headlines once again. This time, they made it official with a Las Vegas wedding in 2022. However, their marriage lasted only two years before Lopez filed for divorce.
While their romantic journey has come to an end—again—their continued kindness toward each other shows that love, in some form, can endure even after the spark fades.
