Where Was Jennifer Lopez on Ben Affleck's 52nd Birthday? Users Claim She Tried 'Too Hard to Look Happy' — Clip & Pics
On her husband's birthday, Jennifer Lopez was seen dancing the night away at a lively event, leading fans to speculate that she was "trying too hard" to appear happy.
As Ben Affleck celebrated his birthday on August 15, Jennifer "JLo" Lopez grabbed attention by attending a Bruno Mars concert in Los Angeles instead of spending the day with him. This sparked online debate about whether she was masking her true feelings amid swirling relationship rumors.
A netizen's remark on Jennifer Lopez attending a concert, posted in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
A video shared on Instagram by artist Tetris showed JLo, dressed in a white sleeveless top and jeans, dancing energetically—swaying her head and raising her hands as she moved her body from left to right—to the song "Marry You."
Jennifer Lopez holds her head high as she dances along to Bruno Mars' song "Marry You" at his concert in Los Angeles, California, posted in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
Jennifer Lopez dances with her hand up to the song "Marry You" at Bruno Mars's concert in Los Angeles, California, posted in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
Jennifer Lopez sings and dances to the song "Marry You" at Bruno Mars's concert in Los Angeles, California, in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
Although JLo appeared to be enjoying herself, the clip quickly attracted attention, with netizens questioning the authenticity of her emotional state. "Trying too hard to look happy," a user observed.
Jennifer Lopez closes her eyes as she listens to "Marry You" at Bruno Mars's concert in Los Angeles, California, in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/itstetrisbish
Another critic pointed out, "She knew that she will be videotaped. This is too hard seeking attention, even for JLo [sic]," while another added, "55 acting like she's 25. 🙄🙄"
Someone else speculated that JLo's behavior might have contributed to her and Ben's marital woes, "Calm down Jen. It doesn't always have to be a show… That may be the reason for your relationship demise 🤷♀️." Not everyone was critical, though.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez appear serious as they walk through New York City on March 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Some fans defended JLo as she was simply enjoying her "single life." One fan noted, "She looks just like any ordinary person that loves music...enjoying herself. He's NOT musically inclined. What don't you understand about that? If he did go the papas wouldn't let them enjoy it. My sig other don't attend concerts with me [sic]."
Jennifer Lopez places her hand on her forehead at her "Brave" album release party in New York City on October 8, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Supporters encouraged her to live her life on her terms. "Be happy jlo 😍 with or without Benedicto [sic]," a fan said while another commented, "I'm so glad to see her enjoying herself that's her music how excited would you be I would dance too dance on@jlo and 💃✨️ [sic]."
Jennifer Lopez as a guest for a dance battle on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on March 1, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Another celebrated JLo's joy, "Good for her ! Life goes on and a man doesn’t define us. She has lots to celebrate and be grateful for [sic]!"
A netizen's comment on Jennifer Lopez attending a Bruno Mars concert, posted in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight
JLo further fueled the online conversation by sharing photos and videos from the concert on her Twitter account. In one post, she posed with two companions, wearing large sunglasses and flashy jewelry, including a necklace with her name as a pendant.
Jennifer Lopez enjoying Bruno Mars' concert in Los Angeles, California, posted on August 17, 2024 |Source: x.com/JLo
Jennifer Lopez sports large sunglasses as she poses with two companions, posted on August 17, 2024 | Source: x.com/JLo
The actress also shared a video explaining to her social media followers how she drinks from a bottle. "See how I do this when I drink from the bottle, very demure," she playfully said before taking a sip. "Very mindful," she added.
Jennifer Lopez shows her social media followers how she drinks from the bottle, posted on August 17, 2024 | Source: x.com/JLo
Jennifer Lopez shows her social media followers how she drinks from the bottle, posted on August 17, 2024 | Source: x.com/JLo
Jennifer Lopez says she is "mindful" of how she drinks from the bottle, posted on August 17, 2024 | Source: x.com/JLo
She also explained that she doesn't chug her drink all at once but prefers to take small sips. "Just little. Little by little. Very elegant. Swelling it. Demure. Mindful [sic]," she shared, before walking off-camera.
Jennifer Lopez says she does not chug when drinking from the bottle, posted on August 17, 2024 | Source: x.com/JLo
Jennifer shows how she reacts when she chugs the bottle, posted on August 17, 2024 | Source: x.com/JLo
Jennifer Lopez says she sips from the bottle "little by little," posted on August 17, 2024 | Source: x.com/JLo
Despite the buzz surrounding her concert appearance, JLo did make time to visit Ben on his 52nd birthday. She was seen leaving his rental home in Brentwood earlier that day, dressed casually in a brown jacket, blue jeans, and sneakers. She quietly exited the house and climbed into a large black vehicle.
Meanwhile, Ben's ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, had also visited his rental home just hours earlier. She left in a sleek BMW, wearing a striped white T-shirt, navy trousers, and glasses, along with simple jewelry, including silver earrings and an Apple Watch.
Jennifer and Ben, who divorced in 2018, continue to co-parent their children—Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12—maintaining a mature and friendly relationship. Amid their harmonious co-parenting, Violet recently sparked a debate online after she was spotted in Los Angeles wearing a familiar dress.
A netizen's comment on Violet Affleck's outfit, posted in August 2024 | Source: Instagram/pagesix
The dress, a stylish Dolce & Gabbana piece, was first worn by her stepmother JLo during a romantic Valentine's Day date with Ben in 2023, a night captured by the flashing cameras of the paparazzi.
Ben Affleck assists Jennifer Lopez as she steps out of their car on Valentine's Day in February 2023, posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/x17online
Jennifer Lopez walks through a crowd of paparazzi while holding Ben Affleck's hand on Valentine's Day in February 2023, posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/x17online
JLo, known for her glamorous style, had paired the dress with a white belt, gold platform heels, and diamond earrings, creating a chic and polished look. In contrast, Violet opted for a more casual vibe.
The back portion of Jennifer Lopez's dress, paired with a belt, during her Valentine's Day date with Ben Affleck in February 2023, posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/x17online
Seen from different angles during a daytime stroll with a friend, she skipped the belt, paired the dress with sporty red-laced sneakers and white ankle socks, and finished the outfit with her signature eyeglasses.
Violet Affleck casually strolls with a friend while wearing her stepmother Jennifer Lopez’s Dolce & Gabbana dress | Source: YouTube/x17online
Violet Affleck looks relaxed in Jennifer Lopez's Dolce & Gabbana dress paired with sneakers, posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/x17online
Violet's dress and her straight hair blew softly in the wind. With minimal makeup for a fresh, relaxed look, her outfit quickly caught the attention of social media users.
Violet Affleck pairs her stepmother Jennifer Lopez's Dolce & Gabbana dress with sneakers, posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/x17online
Some criticized Violet's outfit choice, with one netizen remarking that she "ruined" JLo's dress with sneakers and questioning her fashion sense.
A third commenter noted that Violet's combination of sneakers and dress was "not a good idea," while another described her outfit as looking "horrific."
Violet Affleck touches her forehead while speaking with a companion, posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: YouTube/x17online
However, others were more supportive. One noted that Violet was a "sweet kid," while another envied her big chances of raiding JLo's closet whenever she wanted.
Another commenter appreciated Violet's practical approach to reusing clothes, while someone else praised her choice of dress, expressing admiration. Violet re-wearing JLo's dress comes after she spent time bonding with her in the Hamptons in July.
The two were spotted chatting and shopping at the East Hampton Antiques & Design Show. Violet looked relaxed in another pink ensemble—a shirt and skirt with a white sweater tied around her waist, and she completed the look with a surgical face mask and sneakers.
Violet Affleck and Jennifer Lopez bond in The Hamptons, posted in July 2024 | Source: Instagram/justjared
JLo, meanwhile, stepped out in style. The acclaimed musician was wearing a white sleeveless top paired with flared denim jeans, a brown purse, and heels.
The pop singer and Violet enjoyed another stepmother-stepdaughter moment in Southampton, joined by Violet's friend, actress Cassidey Fralin. JLo wore a long black dress with sandals and sunglasses, while Violet chose a red and pink shirt, patterned pants, and sneakers.
As Violet stepped into the spotlight with her stepmom, she showed that she was not afraid to mix her personal style with a touch of high fashion—even if it meant sparking a conversation.
Violet Affleck hugs Jennifer Lopez at a restaurant near the Louvre Museum in Paris on July 24, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Despite attending a concert on Ben's birthday, Jennifer Lopez's visit to his home and her role as Violet's stepmom suggests that the Lopez-Affleck household remains on good terms, with a continued commitment to positive co-parenting.