Ben Affleck is stuck in a maze with no exits and is at Jennifer Lopez's mercy amid nasty split

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are following through with their intent to divorce after two turbulent years of marriage. Lopez filed last month in Los Angeles, and not even recent public displays of affection have changed the couple's mind.

The divorce proceedings themselves could turn ugly; Lopez and Affleck did not sign a prenuptial agreement prior to tying the knot in Las Vegas in 2022, and they have millions upon millions of dollars in assets to divide, including a $68 million mansion in Beverly Hills. But the unhappy couple is also waging a public relations war in the midst of their separation -- and right now, Lopez appears to be on top.

Ben has to be on his best behavior

According to OK Magazine, the lack of "legal protections" like a prenup means that Affleck and Lopez will have to "play nice" in order to finalize their divorce. That leaves "Argo" star Affleck needing to behave in as civilized a manner as possible, given "On the Floor" singer Lopez's superior net worth.

"She'll sink her fangs in and make it all that much more miserable," an insider revealed to OK about Lopez's mindset and approach with Affleck if he does not behave.

Given that Affleck's alleged "biggest issue" with Lopez is what he perceives as her controlling personality, the insider revealed that the 52-year-old is frustrated at the protracted process -- especially because he reportedly has "so many hot women" wanting to date him.

"He's gun shy because he can't risk upsetting J.Lo," the insider said about Affleck. "He's fully aware it's just playing into her hands, but what choice does he have right now?"

Affleck's reps recently denied that he had started a relationship with actress Kick Kennedy -- perhaps because of this Lopez-related reticence. It remains to be seen which way the saga will turn next, but it is far from over for this celebrity power couple.