Ben Affleck Runs Back to Jennifer Garner—Where Does That Leave J.Lo?
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
As Jennifer Lopez navigates life post-divorce from Ben Affleck, the spotlight has shifted to her search for new love, but recent developments may make that quest a bit more complicated. While Lopez has reportedly been enjoying some lighthearted moments with fellow actor Kevin Costner, the lingering presence of Affleck’s relationship with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, has left her reeling.
Sources close to Lopez reveal that she’s not just looking for companionship but seeking healing after a tumultuous year. After her divorce from Affleck was finalized, Lopez had hoped for a fresh start, but the public rekindling of Affleck and Garner’s relationship has made her feel betrayed. This is especially true after footage surfaced showing Affleck sharing a tender embrace with Garner, a moment that reportedly sent Lopez into a whirlwind of doubts.
Lopez had invested deeply in her marriage to Affleck, offering him unwavering support through his personal struggles, but the former couple’s relationship quickly unraveled in 2024. Insiders close to Lopez say that seeing Affleck spending more time with his ex-wife has only intensified her concerns. “Her friends have questioned how platonic Jen [Garner] and Ben are,” one source claimed, adding that Lopez could not help but question the history of Affleck and Garner’s relationship. The timing of this newfound closeness between the two only seemed to confirm her fears.
Meanwhile, Affleck’s ongoing bond with Garner, with whom he shares three children, has continued to spark rumors of a potential reconciliation. Sources report that Affleck and Garner communicate frequently, with reports indicating that Affleck spent both Thanksgiving and Christmas with Garner and their kids. Despite Garner being happily involved with tech CEO John Miller, the re-emerging closeness between her and Affleck has caused some concern in Lopez’s circle.
While Lopez may be feeling betrayed by the situation, others close to her believe that she isn’t necessarily jealous of Garner but rather disillusioned by the events following her marriage. One insider noted, “JLo was never jealous of Jen [Garner]. She knows their connection is rooted in co-parenting, but seeing the images of them together still stirs emotions.”
In the midst of these personal revelations, Lopez has been spotted spending time with Kevin Costner, an actor known for his roles in Dances with Wolves and Yellowstone. Following his own divorce from Christine Baumgartner, Costner has reportedly enjoyed flirtatious chats with Lopez. The actor is said to be relishing the attention, enjoying a “boost” to his ego after his high-profile split and the drama surrounding Yellowstone‘s departure. However, friends have expressed concern over his past, noting his previous “player” behavior during his earlier Hollywood years, which led to the breakdown of his first marriage.
While Lopez and Costner’s interactions are reportedly fun and flirtatious, sources suggest that Lopez may still be focused on healing from her past marriage, rather than diving into a new romance just yet. Her journey toward new love is undoubtedly complex, with the shadow of her past relationship and the ongoing public dynamics between Affleck and Garner complicating her emotional state.
As for Affleck and Garner, despite the increasing closeness, a source close to the actor insists that he respects Garner’s current relationship with Miller. The situation, while awkward, is not as romantic as some might believe. But whether Lopez views their interactions as innocent remains a key question as she moves forward.
For now, Lopez’s search for new love continues, but with her past still fresh and the ties between Affleck and Garner growing stronger, finding peace might take more time.



