Jennifer Lopez’s former fiancé shared a cryptic Instagram story shortly after news broke of her divorce. The mysterious post sparked speculation among online users, who wondered if it was intentionally shady.
Despite getting back together and seemingly having an amazing love story, Jennifer Lopez has filed for divorce from Ben Affleck after two years of marriage. The news, which broke on August 20, 2024, caught the attention of fans, the media, and even one of her many ex-partners.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the World Premiere of “AIR” held at the Regency Village Theatre on March 27, 2023 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Lopez’s former fiancé, Alex Rodriguez, shared a thought-provoking message on social media, leading many to question its timing and meaning. The Instagram story, originally from The Concept, quoted the ex-MBL star himself:
“You either go one way or the other, you might as well be the one deciding the direction.”
While Rodriguez didn’t provide context for the post, its timing concurred with TMZ’s report of Lopez’s divorce filing. This coincidence didn’t go unnoticed by social media users, who quickly shared their thoughts on the matter.
Some users supported the former MLB player, with one stating, “Jlo won the battle, but arod won the war [sic].” Another commented, “I get him. I get it. Karma ♾ [sic].“
However, not all reactions were positive. Critics called out Rodriguez, suggesting he was a “bitter ex with no dignity.” Someone even said, “He’s still salty that she didn’t marry him [sic].“
One user wrote, “What he being shady and nosey for 😭 [sic],” while another labeled it the “Definition of ‘I’m not over my ex’ [sic].“
Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez attend the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Some users were simply confused by the post, with one asking, “And what the hell does that even mean???? [sic].“
To understand why people immediately jumped to the conclusion that Rodriguez was throwing shade at his ex-fiancée, let’s revisit their breakup and how quickly the “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” singer moved on.
Jennifer Lopez talks with her husband Alex Rodriguez, after she performed at the POTUS inauguration on January 20, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Timing is Everything
In April 2021, J. Lo and Rodriguez ended their engagement after four years together. In a joint statement to TODAY, they said, “We have realized we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so. We will continue to work together and support each other on our shared businesses and projects.”
Shortly after this announcement, the singer was spotted with her former flame, Ben Affleck, at her home in Los Angeles.
The pair, who had previously dated in the early 2000s, originally told sources that they were only “friends,” but they eventually rekindled their romance. They also went Instagram official in July 2021 while celebrating Lopez’s 52nd birthday together.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez kissing in St. Tropez in 2021 | Source: Instagram/jlo
The couple tied the knot in Las Vegas on July 16, 2022, followed by a larger celebration in Georgia on August 20, 2022. Ironically, exactly two years later, the singer decided to file for an official separation.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez has moved on and seems very much in love. He’s been linked to Canadian fitness instructor Jaclyn Cordeiro since October 2022 and her Instagram posts indicate that they are still together.
As more details of Affleck and J. Lo’s divorce come to light, fans and onlookers alike are left to speculate about the motivations behind Rodriguez’s cryptic post and if there are details of their past breakup that no one will ever know about.
Still, regardless of the interpretation or the intentions, the situation is a reminder of how difficult it is to maintain a relationship under public scrutiny. People are always watching them and it’s unlikely to stop. But hopefully, Lopez’s divorce will be quick and easy, and everyone will find happiness on their own.