Aside from being dubbed the “worst dressed” at the 2024 TIFF, Jennifer Lopez was seen having an intimate conversation with one of her estranged husband’s famous friends.
Shining like a glitzy disco ball, Hollywood star Jennifer Lopez brought glamour to the Toronto International Film Festival’s (TIFF) red carpet with the dress she wore on September 6. However, not all social media users were dazzled by the outfit. Many believe the dress is her worst look yet.
User comment about Jennifer Lopez’s dress, posted on September 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram/pagesix
The “Marry Me” actress donned a striking Tamara Ralph silver metallic dress that featured mirror ball patterns all over it. Adding some sultriness, Lopez’s garment left both sides of her curvaceous body exposed and was fastened on each side with strings of black velvet bows.
Jennifer Lopez at the premiere of “Unstoppable” during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Canada on September 6, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
She paired her dress with matching silver heels, a chic Judith Leiber clutch bag, and Hassanzadeh diamond jewelry. Lopez had been at the TIFF for the premiere of her new movie “Unstoppable,” which she worked on with Ben Affleck, who was noticeably absent from the event.
Jennifer Lopez | Source: Getty Images
Upon seeing photos and videos of Lopez posing up a storm on the red carpet in her daring outfit, netizens were quick to assert their opinions on how she looked. Many felt that Lopez’s dress did not look good.
Jennifer Lopez | Source: Getty Images
“[Definitely] a worst dressed winner 🏅,” remarked an observer on Instagram while another echoed, “This dress is a disaster.” “It’s really ridiculous I feel like she had no class with that dress😮😮😮😮😮,” opined someone else.
Jennifer Lopez posing for a picture at the TIFF, posted on September 7, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jlo
Expressing a similar sentiment, another netizen chimed in with, “This dress was seriously inappropriate for the type of film that […] was being premiered. This was not it.”
“I admire her fitness and drive but she’s a mom and I don’t think this is appropriate apparel to wear. Personally, I don’t like this outfit. It has no color. Plus, how can anyone walk and move wearing that [?]” asserted a Facebooker.
Jennifer Lopez | Source: Instagram/jlo
Acknowledging Lopez’s beauty while expressing disdain for her dress, a spectator said, “She is truly a beautiful woman but this ‘outfit’ does nothing for her!” “I think it’s one of her worst looks,” stated another observer.
Amid the vitriol came a fan who praised, “She’s beautiful and I love her dress! 😊.” On the other hand, a curious netizen pondered, “Was the dress for Ben to see?”
Lopez’s TIFF attendance comes just over two weeks since the “On the Floor” singer filed for divorce from Affleck. While the “Gone Girl” actor wasn’t there, his best friend and fellow Tinseltown star Matt Damon and his wife, Luciana Barroso, were.
Luciana Barroso and Matt Damon at the premiere of “Unstoppable” during the 2024 TIFF in Toronto, Canada on September 6, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
According to reports, Affleck, who co-produced the movie based on wrestler Anthony Robles’ book with Damon through their company Artist Equity, had skipped the premiere because of work. Sources also state that the actor is spending time with his kids in Los Angeles.
Ben Affleck spotted on the set of a movie project he and Matt Damon were working on in Los Angeles, California on July 5, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Seemingly preempting that there would be swirling questions from the public concerning why Affleck was not there, “Unstoppable” director William Goldenberg briefly addressed the divorce drama.
William Goldenberg at the TIFF Tribute Awards during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Canada on September 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Speaking to a media outlet before the premiere, Goldenberg disclosed, “Everybody’s a professional, and that’s their own personal thing. I love them both. I mean, I know Ben better, but Jennifer was literally a dream to work with […] And their personal life is their personal life.”
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck at the Ralph Lauren Spring 2023 ready to wear runway show in San Marino, California on October 13, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
At some point during the event, Lopez, who stars in “Unstoppable” alongside famous actors Bobby Cannavale, Don Cheadle, and Jharrel Jerome, was spotted in the middle of a deep conversation with Damon.
The “Jason Bourne” star was photographed holding hands with Lopez as the two chatted away. An eyewitness reported that their conversation lasted for over 20 minutes after Lopez sat down at an outdoor table with Damon and his wife.
While the content of their conversation is unknown, the timing of it seems to suggest that Damon might have been showing support for Lopez amid her divorce from Ben Affleck.
Although Jennifer Lopez only filed for divorce on August 20, reports state that their marital issues began long before the filing.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck spotted driving in Los Angeles, California on May 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
According to an August 2024 Page Six report, Affleck and Lopez’s honeymoon in Italy marked the beginning of their marital struggles, as Ben struggled with the intense media attention and the demands of his estranged wife’s high-profile lifestyle.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez attend the screening of The Last Duel at the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy on September 10, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
The soon-to-be ex-couple’s honeymoon in Lake Como in 2022 seemed glamorous on the surface. However, behind the scenes, Affleck was uncomfortable with the constant presence of the paparazzi.
Ben Affleck walks as two men film him in Los Angeles, California on May 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
A source reportedly said that Affleck “was unhappy with paparazzi following them.” The same source added, “She is an international superstar, and he acted like it came as a surprise that they would be followed around.”
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez spotted strolling through the streets of Italy during their honeymoon, posted on August 26, 2022 | Source: YouTube/x17online
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez walk up to a restaurant in Lake Como, Italy, posted on August 24, 2022 | Source: YouTube/TMZ
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck sit inside a restaurant facing the lake in Lake Como, Italy, posted on August 24, 2022 | Source: YouTube/TMZ
Privately, Affleck and Lopez’s relationship was already strained, despite their public displays of affection. Insiders shared that they “would barely speak to each other during what was supposed to be the happiest time of their life.”
Additionally, Affleck had assured Lopez that he was a changed man, but as the source noted, “that lasted a very short time.”
Jennifer Lopez spotted out in Los Angeles, California on December 11, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Affleck’s sobriety was also a major factor in the estranged couple’s issues. After entering rehab in 2018 for alcohol addiction, he was in a fragile state when he and Lopez reconnected. As he settled into his sober life, the initial excitement of their reunion began to fade.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the “Marry Me” screening in Los Angeles, California on February 8, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
An insider explained, “He was in a vulnerable state, and whatever their chemistry played into that [sic].” As Affleck’s sobriety stabilized, he began craving more privacy, which conflicted with Lopez’s fame-filled life. “He doesn’t want [the entourage] and all the drama that comes with that in his home,” mentioned the source.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez spotted at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France on July 26, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Despite these struggles, Affleck reportedly delayed filing for divorce to protect Lopez’s feelings. The Page Six sources described him as “very protective of her.”
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck spotted out in New York City on November 25, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
However, as their relationship continued to deteriorate, Lopez was left feeling furious. On this, one source noted, “He has humiliated her. He was the one who initiated getting back together … She made a big deal that he was the love of her life.”
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck spotted out in Los Angeles, California on December 15, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Amid their private turmoil, however, Affleck and Lopez maintained a public front during their honeymoon. A People article from August 2022 described their time in Milan, where they shopped and dined together. Eyewitnesses also observed that the pair seemed “attentive only to each other” and acted “down to earth.”
Jennifer Lopez waves to the crowd during her honeymoon in Italy, posted on August 26, 2022 | Source: YouTube/x17online
Ben Affleck makes his way to the car as the public takes pictures of him and Jennifer Lopez during their honeymoon in Italy, posted on August 26, 2022 | Source: YouTube/x17online
At another time before their honeymoon and during a romantic dinner in Paris, Affleck was spotted in tears in July 2022, according to TMZ.
The emotional moment happened on Lopez’s 53rd birthday when she was seen comforting him. While the reason for his tears was unclear the moment showed that they were facing emotional challenges.
Their reported tensions during their honeymoon in Italy resurfaced after Lopez filed for divorce. She submitted the paperwork to the Los Angeles County Superior Court exactly two years after their second wedding ceremony.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez spotted out in New York City on March 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
According to TMZ, the couple’s separation date is listed as April 26, 2024, and further details offer a fresh perspective on their unexpected split.
Jennifer Lopez’s Divorce Filing Happened on the Anniversary of Their Georgia Wedding
Lopez reportedly filed for divorce on the same day as their Georgia wedding anniversary, adding a bittersweet note to their split. The two rekindled their romance in 2021 and got engaged in April 2022.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the “Marry Me” screening in Los Angeles, California on February 8, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
After getting engaged, they had a surprise Las Vegas wedding on July 16, 2022. A month later, they celebrated with a larger ceremony at Affleck’s Georgia estate. In her On the JLo newsletter, Lopez reportedly described the day as “full-circle” and “better” than expected.
The ceremony was personal, with the two walking down the aisle to “True Companion” by Marc Cohn. Lopez wore three custom wedding dresses, which included a turtleneck gown, a mermaid silhouette, and a chandelier pearl gown, which she called “dreamy.”
Jennifer Lopez Filed the Divorce Documents Herself
In a surprising move, Lopez filed the divorce documents without a lawyer. This approach, known as filing “pro per,” suggests she wants to handle the process independently. She also waived her right to spousal support and asked that the court deny Affleck any support as well.
Jennifer Lopez at Paris Fashion Week in Paris, France on June 24, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez Have No Prenuptial Agreement
TMZ also reported that the divorce documents show that Lopez and Affleck did not have a prenuptial agreement. Despite their previous marriages and significant wealth, they didn’t protect their finances. As a result, any earnings or profits made during their marital years will be treated as community property.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck spotted out in New York City on September 26, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Bennifer Are Still Hashing Out the Sale of Their Marital Home
Although Lopez has filed for divorce, their financial settlement remains unresolved. The couple’s Beverly Hills home is on the market, but negotiations have reportedly become tense. Additionally, Lopez and Affleck are searching for new homes, signaling the end of their shared life together.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck spotted out in Los Angeles on April 26, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Lopez and Affleck first became a media sensation in the early 2000s when their relationship, known as “Bennifer,” grabbed headlines. They got engaged and starred together in “Gigli” (2003) and “Jersey Girl” (2004), but their romance ended before “Jersey Girl” was released.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the “Daredevil” premiere in Los Angeles, California on February 9, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Over the next 20 years, both married other people — Lopez with Marc Anthony and Affleck with Jennifer Garner— but they reunited three years ago.
Since then, they often appeared together at public events, promoting each other’s projects. Affleck even appeared in Lopez’s Amazon Prime Video special, “This Is Me … Now: A Love Story.”
Lopez’s latest album, “This Is Me … Now,” revisits themes from her 2002 album, “This Is Me … Then,” which was inspired by her first relationship with Affleck. Fans followed their love story through Lopez’s social media and newsletter updates.
However, in May (2024), Lopez unexpectedly canceled her summer tour, saying she needed time with her family — a decision that hinted at her and Affleck’s split and eventual divorce.