Ben Affleck Jumped In to Protect Jennifer Lopez From a Pushy Fan
He didn't even wait for the bodyguards to intervene.

This year’s Venice Film Festival garnered some major attention for the many premieres it hosted—from Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet’s red carpet looks at the Dune premiere, to the awards show buzz for Kristen Stewart during the Spencer premiere. But the one debut that got the most attention wasn’t even a movie: It was the official red carpet reveal of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s 2.0 romance. And can you blame us for practically swooning? Look at that gorgeous couple—that woman is 52 years old! How?!
Anyway, Lopez accompanied Affleck to Italy, where he was in town to promote The Last Duel, the movie he co-wrote with Matt Damon. And over the last week, paparazzi photos have shown the couple sightseeing, cuddling, and generally being glamorous.
But the excitement quickly became overwhelming as the couple tried to depart the city from Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. According to TMZ, a fan looking for a selfie got a little bit too aggressively close while pushing his way toward the stars with his phone held up. As if to defend Lopez, Affleck stepped forward and put his hands on the unknown man’s shoulders to restrain him from moving any closer. He didn’t wait for the bodyguards, and instead jumped into action to defend J.Lo. (TMZ has pictures from the incident here.) Eventually, the couple’s bodyguard got the fan to back up, and the duo continued through the airport with their heads down, but still looking happy.
Though we don’t know for sure why Bennifer 1.0 broke up for the first time all the way back in 2004, many speculated that the nonstop media attention became too intense for the couple. Here’s hoping that the same thing doesn’t happen all over again—and that fans learn to keep their hands to themselves.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
The "Frightening" Easter Prank William Played on Eugenie
"Prince William has just stood on a chair and bitten the mouse's head off."
By Amy Mackelden
-
A Resurfaced Photo Reveals Charlotte's Royal Lookalike
"The Spencer genes are so strong."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Why Prince Andrew Attended Royal Family's Easter Service
It was previously alleged King Charles's "patience was wearing thin" with his brother.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Youn Yuh-jung Poured Her Heart Into 'The Wedding Banquet'
The Oscar winner shares why the LGBTQ+ rom-com hit close to home and the message she hopes it sends to ''conservative'' Koreans.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
In 'Opus,' Cult Leaders and Pop Stars Are One in the Same
The A24 film's costume and production designers open up about crafting fictional pop icon Moretti’s style and mysterious estate.
By Sadie Bell
-
'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl' Is a Revolutionary Call to Speak Up Against Female Abuse
After showing how a culture of silence around abuse can devastate entire generations, the arresting A24 film holds a mirror up to the audience and asks, \201cWhat happens if we scream?\201d
By Quinci LeGardye
-
'Anora' Star Mikey Madison Takes Home the Best Actress Award at the 2025 Oscars in a Surprise Win
"I will continue to support and be an ally."
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Zoe Saldaña Becomes the First American of Dominican Origin to Win an Oscar
"I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award and I know I will not be the last."
By Quinci LeGardye
-
LISA, Doja Cat, and Raye Perform a Glamorous 'James Bond' Tribute at the 2025 Oscars
The Academy Awards are for the pop girls, actually.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Open the 2025 Oscars With a Showstopping 'Wicked' Performance
The awards show began with a medley of songs inspired by the Best Picture-nominated film and adaptations of 'The Wizard of Oz.'
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Everything to Know About the 2025 Oscars, From How to Watch to the Nominations
It's bound to be an unpredictable awards show.
By Quinci LeGardye