‘Dirty laundry’ issue will determine who comes out on top if Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck divorce, says PR pro
JENNIFER Lopez and Ben Affleck’s reactions to divorce rumors have already begun impacting their massive Hollywood profiles, a PR expert has said.
She weighed in on the couple’s appearances in public through May and claimed further ring-wearing lapses — or any leaks of “infidelity” news — must be avoided.
JLo, 54, promoted her movie Atlas in Mexico City on May 20, hitting the red carpet without Ben, 51.
Ahead of the premiere, JLo shared a photo on Instagram in which she looked confident, sitting cross-legged on a sofa in a white ruffle dress.
“Sadly, she’s going to end up alone for the rest of her life,” commented one fan.
“She needs to go home and save her marriage,” wrote another.
On Wednesday, JLo was confronted about divorce rumors while on stage promoting her movie in Mexico City.
Though she laughed when a reporter asked if the buzz was true, her face soon turned serious as she leaned in to scold him.
“‘You know better than that,” she said.
PR expert Lauren Beeching suggested the I’m Real singer looked “uncomfortable.”
“JLo’s response was OK, but can risk her looking a little diva,” she said.
“Luckily for her, she was applauded.
“She did, of course, look uncomfortable, which is understandable.”
Beeching said whether Ben or JLo will come out on top in a divorce will depend on some key revelations.
But she warned that JLo’s reputation must be “protected” since she’ll be under “harsher scrutiny.”
“I would have hoped a great PR team would help them get through this without airing dirty laundry,” Beeching told The U.S. Sun.
“Usually, during a break up this public, a PR firm would work with both sides to protect both reputations.
“If there is a split, the public perception could quickly turn against Jennifer or Ben.
“This all hinges on the narrative that is coming out at the moment.
“If infidelity or personal issues are publicly aired, it could tarnish their reputations.
“Otherwise, a split could pose a significant risk to their financial assets amid all the intense scrutiny.”
JLo attended the Met Gala alone on May 13.
A few days later, she liked an Instagram post that appeared to have a pointed message.
“You can’t build a relationship with someone who is disconnected from themselves,” it read.
HOME ALONE
Beeching claimed the Jenny From The Block singer would start feeling afraid if rumors escalated — especially because it might hit her bottom line.
“Jennifer’s biggest fear would be rumors spreading on social media,” she said.
“If there is a divorce, her image and brand might suffer negative publicity, impacting sales and partnerships.
“Jennifer should focus on maintaining her image throughout this process.
“Jennifer could shift the narrative from her relationship status to reminding the public that she is JLo.
“She could consider bringing one of her children to red carpets if they feel comfortable.
“JLo should show a united family front.”
According to US Weekly, Ben left their $60 million Beverley Hills mansion several weeks ago.
He has been photographed alone, exiting a separate Bel Air rental.
On May 17, Bennifer was seen together in public for the first time since March as divorce rumors intensified.
But The Daily Mail reported that Ben was seen without his ring the following day.
A WIN FOR BEN?
Beeching, who focuses on crisis management, claimed the Argo star needed to be “respectful.”
She suggested Ben could create “new opportunities” after a divorce.
“If Ben plans to address the absence of his wedding ring due to public pressure, he should do so respectfully,” she said.
“He should be using his public appearances to highlight his career, steering the conversation away from his personal life.
“If Ben’s PR is done well, and there is a split, he could gain public sympathy.
“This can lead to positive media coverage and new opportunities.
“Ben must approach this situation respectfully and sensitively if there is a divorce.”
Ben and JLo started dating in 2002 and were engaged later that year.
They called off the wedding two years later but got back together in 2021.
The Bennifer brand was invented through the media, epitomizing their high-profile romance.
Lauren Beeching
The couple’s 2022 wedding rolled over two events — one in Vegas and another in their mansion in Georgia.
A reunited Bennifer took the world by storm, and JLo and Ben’s careers continued to explode.
JLo has become one of Hollywood’s most successful stars, with a net worth of $400 million from music, acting, and TV work.
Ben’s acting and movie production career has seen his earnings top $150 million.
BENNIFER FOREVER
“The last thing Jennifer and Ben would need is fear about their careers,” she said.
“The Bennifer brand was invented through the media, epitomizing their high-profile romance.
They were killing it in their careers, and while the breakup was publicized, it did not harm their image.
Lauren Beeching
“It has some nostalgic value and will generate public interest.
“But it is not much a business brand as such.”
The couple created a new family dynamic over the last two years.
Ben had been divorced from his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, 52, and shared Seraphina, Violet, and Samuel.
Jennifer broke off her engagement with the MLB legend Alex Rodriguez.
She has been raising twins Emme and Max alongside her ex-husband Marc Anthony, 55.
During the earlier split, there was no impact on their families and mental well-being.
Lauren Beeching
In 2023, JLo opened up about Ben and her children living under the same roof.
“It’s just been a phenomenal year. Like, my best year I think since my kids were born,” she told Vanity Fair.
CHILDREN AND BANK ACCOUNTS
Beeching said the couple’s 2003 split was straightforward, mainly because they were not parents then.
“Now, their blended family would make things complex,” she said.
“Their 2004 split had a mixed impact.
“Both were killing it in their careers, and while the breakup was publicized, it did not significantly harm their images.
“In some ways, it allowed them to refocus on their brand.
A breakup now could involve significant asset division and potential alimony.
Lauren Beeching
“Canceling the first wedding might have resulted in some financial losses.
“That split is nothing compared to what could be at stake now.
“Their substantial joint assets like the Wallingford Estate and their combined public personas mean there is more at risk now than their first engagement.
“A breakup now could involve significant asset division and potential alimony.”
“My advice for my clients during difficult periods such as break ups is to prioritize their mental well-being,” Beeching added.
“There is also the stability of their family to consider.
“I push them to focus on their strong support network to navigate challenging times.
“My goal is always to take off as much stress as possible for my clients so they can focus on what is most important.”