When Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck reignited their romance in 2021 after nearly two decades apart, the A-list actor had a particular request.
In her new Amazon Prime documentary “The Greatest Love Story Never Told,” Affleck, 51, reveals that he didn’t want their relationship to unfold under the constant scrutiny of social media, especially considering Lopez’s staggering 253 million Instagram followers.
“Rekindling our relationship, I expressed, ‘Listen, one of the things I don’t want is a relationship on social media,'” recalls the actor and director. “Then I realized it’s not entirely fair to ask. It’s like planning to marry a boat captain when you dislike the water.”
Despite Affleck’s reservations, the couple managed to navigate their love story, eventually getting engaged in April 2022 and exchanging vows in Las Vegas that July. Since then, Lopez, 54, has occasionally shared glimpses of their life together on social media, including a heartwarming video of them singing Sam Cooke’s “(What A) Wonderful World” in the car to celebrate his birthday in August.
“We’re two individuals with different approaches, learning to find common ground,” he reflects in the documentary.
Lopez also opens up about Affleck’s discomfort with the spotlight, especially as she draws inspiration from their relationship for her new album “This Is Me…Now” and its accompanying visual film “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story.”
“I don’t think [Ben] is entirely comfortable with all of this,” she admits. “But he loves me, understands I’m an artist, and supports me in every way possible. He knows he can’t stifle my creativity… he doesn’t want to. However, being the muse isn’t his comfort zone.”
“The Greatest Love Story Never Told,” available for streaming starting Tuesday, provides fans with an intimate look into the making of Lopez’s ambitious project. Directed by Jason Bergh, the documentary features interviews with Lopez’s inner circle, as well as her producing partners and longtime collaborators.
In a touching moment captured in the film, Lopez reveals a heartfelt Christmas gift from Affleck: a book containing every letter and email they exchanged over two decades, titled “The Greatest Love Story Never Told.”
Affleck joined Lopez at the Los Angeles premiere of her original film on Feb. 13, where he received a heartfelt acknowledgment from the star onstage.
“He’s been the inspiration behind this journey, inspiring me for years. He inspired an album 20 years ago, and I know he’s not thrilled I’m doing this now,” Lopez shared emotionally.
“He’s like, ‘Please, stop.’ But I won’t. I love you and thank you for believing in me, for helping me believe in myself, for our family and everything you do,” she continued. “You’ll never know what it means to share this life with you as my love. Thank you.”
Director Dave Meyers, who helmed “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story,” further emphasized the couple’s extraordinary bond in an interview with PEOPLE.
“Their love is genuine. Being in intimate spaces with them, it’s evident they share a deep connection… It was inspiring to witness their unwavering support for each other,” Meyers remarked. “Jen’s determination is incredible, and Ben is an integral part of her journey. They’re a testament to true love.”
