Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have reportedly reconnected, but this time around things are not going to be romantic.
Sources claim the “Office Romance” actress has now turned to her ex-husband as a friend and is looking to make use of his professional advice to get ahead in her acting career.
Since their split, both Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck haven’t publicly dated anyone, with the singer even admitting that none of her past partners were “capable” of loving her right.
Lopez and Affleck have had a shot at being romantic partners twice, with their most recent attempt translating into marriage.
However, both times saw them fall out, with reports suggesting their different outlook on fame and public life hampered their marriage.
Now sources have claimed that a new relationship is secretly brewing, but this time, they’re just friends and nothing romantic is going on.
Apparently, the “Jenny From The Block” singer still cherishes him as a confidant and values his experience in the film industry, which she’ll be looking to capitalize on as it concerns the next step in her acting career.
“Ben isn’t neurotic at all about Jennifer continuing to rely on his counsel, and even his emotional support, when it’s needed,” an insider said, per Closer Magazine.
“He’s still advising her, and he wants her to win. In fact, it fuels his ego – in a healthy way – to know that she still takes him incredibly seriously as an advisor, even though they couldn’t make it work as a married couple,” they continued. “He is also genuinely fascinated by her business moves, so he always gets something out of it when she comes to him for advice.”
Jennifer Lopez ‘Trusts’ The Actor More Than Her Circle
It doesn’t come as a surprise, as Affleck has years of experience in Hollywood under his belt. Through his production company, Artist Equity, he has served as a producer for some of her projects, including the 2025 film “Kiss Of The Spider Woman.”
He has also won several major film awards, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and two BAFTA Awards for his work as an actor, writer, and director.
According to the news outlet, the source explained that Lopez “trusts” him even more than those within her camp because when he listens to her and preferably proffers solutions, he’s not doing it out of any sort of contractual obligations.
“They truly are kindred spirits, even long after they stopped being man and wife,” they added.
The Singer Is Casting Her Gaze On What Is To Come Instead Of Regretting The Past
Affleck’s public praise of Lopez’s professionalism is well documented. Last year, he described her as “spectacular” while also praising her for the relationship she built with his kids at the time.
Their divorce went smoothly, and since then, the exes have seemingly kept a cordial relationship. They’ve bumped into each other in the past, especially as their individual children are very close, but not one pointed acrimonious statement has proceeded from either of them.
According to Closer, the source also said that residual feelings of despair may still exist, especially for Lopez, who tried her best to save their marriage.
However, she’d rather set her gaze on the future of their friendship and the benefits that come with it, especially as she covets the close bond the “Argo” actor shares with his other ex, Jennifer Garner.
“Jen is over the moon that things between her and Ben have settled into such a good place now that the divorce is behind them,” the insider said.
Was Jennifer Lopez ‘Envious’ Of Ben Affleck And Jennifer Garner’s Close Co-Parenting Relationship?
In the months following their 2024 divorce, Affleck and Garner grew closer than ever as they continued their co-parenting efforts with their children.
At some point, rumors even had it that they were working to get back together, especially after they were seen hugging during a paintball outing last year.
At the time, a source said that Lopez was “devastated” by the sighting but kept things cool and didn’t want to go public with any ill feelings, per Page Six.
Other sources denied it, saying the “Ain’t Your Mama” singer was friends with Garner and barely spoke with Affleck.
However, insiders have now shared that she’s always been “envious” of their close bond, but her newfound friendship with Affleck will seemingly give her a version of that.
The Singer Loves That Ben Affleck Is ‘Someone She Can Go To For Advice And Guidance’
According to the Closer source, Lopez is very content with the current state of her relationship with Affleck, and is happy she has someone like him to rely on.
“She loves that she can call him pretty much any time and he almost always picks up and is happy to hear from her – though she’s careful not to call too much because she doesn’t want to push him away,” the source said.
“She definitely takes a lot of pride in the fact that he’s someone she can go to for advice and guidance,” they continued.
“She’s always quick to tell people they are better off as just friends and that she’s totally over him romantically, although it’s hard not to notice how attached she still is,” the source added.
Claims about the former couple’s new platonic friendship come after news of Affleck’s mother Chris Anne’s death. According to reports, the actor was left “devastated” by the loss, but has the support of his family, including his ex-wives, Lopez and Garner.
