In what has become the latest twist in the on-again, off-again saga of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, reports have emerged suggesting that Lopez is allegedly refusing to return the $10 million engagement ring Affleck gave her. The couple, who rekindled their romance in 2021 after nearly two decades apart, called off their engagement earlier this year, but it appears the drama is far from over.
Affleck and Lopez, once dubbed “Bennifer” by the media, first got engaged in 2002 during the height of their initial whirlwind romance. At the time, Affleck presented Lopez with a stunning 6.1-carat pink diamond ring from Harry Winston, which was valued at an estimated $2.5 million. After their breakup in 2004, the couple went their separate ways, each marrying other partners.
However, in a twist worthy of a Hollywood script, the pair reunited in 2021, sparking excitement among fans who had long hoped for their reconciliation. In April 2022, Affleck proposed to Lopez again, this time with an even more extravagant 8.5-carat green diamond ring reportedly worth $10 million. The engagement was seen as a symbol of their matured relationship and newfound commitment to each other.
Despite the fairytale-like nature of their reunion, rumors of trouble began to circulate in early 2024. By June, multiple sources confirmed that the couple had ended their engagement, citing irreconcilable differences. While both Lopez and Affleck have remained tight-lipped about the details of their split, insiders suggest that the issue of the engagement ring has become a contentious point.
According to sources close to the couple, Lopez is allegedly refusing to return the $10 million ring, despite the end of the engagement. “Jen feels that the ring was a gift, and she’s not obligated to give it back,” an insider claimed. “She’s also very sentimental about it. It represents a significant chapter in her life.”
On the other hand, Affleck is reportedly upset about the situation, feeling that the ring should be returned as a matter of principle. “Ben believes that when an engagement is called off, the ring should be returned. It’s not just about the money for him; it’s about doing what’s right,” a source close to the actor revealed.
The legalities surrounding the return of engagement rings vary by jurisdiction. In some states, an engagement ring is considered a “conditional gift,” meaning that if the marriage doesn’t occur, the ring should be returned. However, in other states, the recipient may be allowed to keep the ring regardless of the outcome of the engagement.
Legal experts suggest that if the issue were to go to court, the outcome could depend on whether the ring was given as a gift or with the explicit condition of marriage. “In California, where both Lopez and Affleck reside, the courts generally consider engagement rings to be conditional gifts. If the engagement is broken, the ring is typically returned to the giver,” explained family law attorney Samantha Greene.
However, with both parties being high-profile celebrities, it’s unclear whether they would choose to settle the matter privately or let it play out in the public eye.
As of now, neither Lopez nor Affleck has made any public statements about the alleged dispute. Both stars are continuing with their respective careers—Lopez is set to release a new album later this year, while Affleck is working on several upcoming film projects.
Fans of the couple are left wondering whether this latest development marks the final chapter in the Bennifer saga, or if there are still more twists and turns to come. Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that the story of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck remains as captivating as ever, both on and off the screen.