The rumours about Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s marital problems have not been dispelled by the actor’s latest appearance without his wedding ring.

Once considered a case of second chance romances, their renewed romance now faces additional difficulties such as living apart and under public attention. The duo is also coping with the residual effects of their previous partnerships.

On May 18, TMZ released a picture of Ben Affleck inside a car, noticeably devoid of his wedding ring on his left finger as he fiddled with the sun visor, sparking rumours. Rumours that Affleck and Jennifer “JLo” Lopez, his wife of over two years, would be divorcing quickly followed this sighting.

Fans and bystanders had quick and varied responses.

Kind of not surprised, said one user. All they have to do is learn how to be content on their own.

“Sorry but I am not surprised at all!” said another.

When others saw that Ben was missing his wedding ring, remarks like “Oh no, not his wedding ring” and “Soooo maybe it’s NOT a rumour,” implying that there might be more serious problems at hand, fueled the fire.

Affleck’s motivations were questioned by other users, one of whom remarked, “Isn’t he showing that hand up on purpose tho?”

One person amidst the conjecture proposed that Ben “should have stayed with Jennifer Garner.”

“I just hope and pray that she takes a lot of time out for herself and stops running into things that she doesn’t need to do, especially getting married soon after coming out of a relationship,” said a more kind commenter.

“I hope Ben is all right and he gets past all of this, and life goes on for him in a better way,” the same person continued. “I wish them both the very best of luck in life.”

With optimism, a different fan said, “I certainly hope not…I really pray they stay together for the long run. They really love each other, I’m sure!”

On May 19, a different picture that appeared online and showed Ben driving a car in Los Angeles while sporting his wedding ring once more gave the story an unexpected turn.

This happened soon after on May 17, when Ben and JLo were spotted together in public for the first time in 47 days.

They were seen together in a parking lot, Ben clutching some paperwork and JLo holding a bouquet of flowers, following an event for Ben’s kids that his ex-wife Jennifer Garner apparently attended.

Subsequently, Ben was observed collecting JLo and her daughter, Emme Muñiz, from a school. JLo took the front seat as Emme entered the rear seat, and Ben leaned over the centre console of the vehicle to open the door for her. Then Ben drove out of the school, his face solemn.

These recent sightings imply that Ben and JLo are still together despite the ongoing rumours about their relationship. The couple has stated in the past that part of the reason for their breakup in the early 2000s was the public’s relentless scrutiny.