Ben Affleck and ex-wife Jennifer Garner may not be rekindling their romance, but insiders say their relationship is “the strongest that it’s ever been.”
In the latest issue of Us Weekly, sources are shedding light on their “bond,” while slamming speculation that they’re getting back together in the wake of Affleck’s divorce from Jennifer Lopez in January.
“Their relationship has evolved into a strong friendship,” an insider told the outlet. “Jen is a grounding and trusting force in Ben’s life.”
The actors, both 52, were married from June 2005 until June 2015 and share three children: Samuel, 13, Seraphina, 16, and Violet, 19. They’ve been frequently photographed on various outings and spend holidays together as a family.
While Affleck and Garner finalized their divorce in 2018, flirty-looking footage of Affleck hugging his ex earlier this month reignited rumors of a potential reconciliation.
Affleck has been “spending more time with Jen since his divorce from Jennifer because he’s been prioritizing his kids,” said Us Weekly’s insider, adding that the family time has made recovering from the split “easier” for Affleck.
“Ben’s in a good place,” said the source. “He’s in a better mental and emotional space than he has been in years.”
Meanwhile, insiders say Garner is still happily dating her long-term boyfriend, entrepreneur John Miller, who’s reportedly unbothered by her close friendship with her ex.
Lopez, however, has seemingly not taken the strong bond quite so well. Sources told the Daily News last week that Lopez is unhappy with Affleck’s growing closeness with Garner.
“J.Lo believed it would be forever,” said the source. “The idea of divorce was his. Seeing photos of him with his other Jennifer is like salt on a wound.”
Affleck and Lopez were famously engaged in the early aughts before calling it off and moving on with Garner and Marc Anthony, respectively. The duo reconnected in 2021 and finally tied the knot the following year.
After months of split speculation, Lopez filed for divorce in August on what would have been their second wedding anniversary.
