Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Maintain Friendly Ties, See Each Other Regularly Amid Marital Struggles
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, one of Hollywood’s most high-profile couples, continue to maintain a cordial relationship despite facing significant marital challenges. The couple, who married in 2022, have been navigating a rough patch but remain in contact, meeting every few days, according to sources close to Lopez.
“They’re still friendly and see each other every few days,” a source told PEOPLE. The pair were last publicly seen together on June 2, attending a basketball game for Affleck’s 12-year-old son, Samuel, in Santa Monica, California. During this outing, Lopez and Affleck shared a kiss on the cheek, indicating an amicable interaction. Affleck’s mother, Chris Anne Boldt, and his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, who is Samuel’s mother, were also present at the game.
The couple's relationship status has been a topic of public interest, especially with their decision to sell their Beverly Hills mansion, which they bought for $61 million in the spring of 2023. Currently, Lopez is residing in the property, while Affleck is staying in a rental home nearby as he works on his film, "The Accountant 2."
Lopez, 54, was recently spotted arriving solo at Giorgio Baldi in Los Angeles, wearing a cream knit dress and both her wedding and engagement rings, along with large gold hoop earrings and chunky peep-toe heels. This sighting came shortly after Lopez canceled her summer tour, "This Is Me... Live," citing the need to spend time with her children, family, and close friends.
"I am completely heartsick and devastated about letting you down. Please know that I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t feel that it was absolutely necessary," Lopez wrote to her fans on her OntheJLo website.
Despite the rumors of divorce, sources indicate that Lopez and Affleck are not officially separated. An insider told Entertainment Tonight, “They have been living separate lives but are not officially separated yet. At this point, they are just doing their own thing.” The insider also mentioned that Lopez is actively looking for a new home and has been relying on her mother, sisters, and children for support during this transitional period.
Affleck, 51, appears to be focusing on his work and his role as a father, co-parenting effectively with Jennifer Garner. “Ben is sad about it all but focused on his work, being a great dad and co-parenting well with Jennifer Garner. He has been leaning on Matt Damon and his close circle of guy friends. Matt is always in Ben’s corner and is supportive of him,” the source added.
Garner, who finalized her divorce from Affleck in 2018, continues to support him, especially given his struggles with addiction and the pressures of maintaining a public lifestyle. “She sees how Ben struggles with keeping up with J.Lo’s very public lifestyle,” another insider noted. Garner has always been there for Affleck, particularly during his rehab stints, and remains committed to helping him stay grounded.
“Jen can’t stand by and do nothing. That’s not in her nature,” the source shared. “She has dropped everything to make sure Ben doesn’t spiral out of control again. At the end of the day, Ben is still the father of their children, and she will help him however she can.”
Despite the current strain, Lopez seems to be holding out hope for reconciliation. “She still thinks she and Ben are meant to be together and the feeling is she’s just tolerating this unpleasantness until Ben realizes the same thing,” an insider revealed, noting the deep connection the couple shares, dating back to their first engagement in 2002.