J.Lo Speaks Out on Her ‘Tough’ Divorce from Ben Affleck: ‘I’m Not the Same Anymore’

Jennifer Lopez Reflects on “Tough” Divorce from Ben Affleck: “I’m a Different Person Now”

Opening Up About a Difficult Year

Jennifer Lopez has spoken candidly about the challenges she faced after filing for divorce from Ben Affleck, calling it one of the hardest times of her life. The 56-year-old singer and actress discussed the split in a recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning while promoting her upcoming film Kiss of the Spider Woman, set to hit theaters on October 10.

The musical, which wrapped production just two months before Lopez filed for divorce in August 2024, became both a source of joy and a much-needed escape during a turbulent period.

Finding Refuge in Film

When asked how she balanced filming with personal struggles, Lopez admitted with a laugh: “Barely. It was tough. It was a tough time.” She described the experience as both rewarding and painful, explaining that while working on the movie brought happiness, her personal life felt far more complicated.

“It was the best and worst of times,” Lopez reflected. “On set, I was completely in my element. At home, it was a different story. But looking back, it was the best thing that could have happened to me. It pushed me to grow, to become more self-aware. I’m not the same person I was a year ago.”

Lopez, who concluded her Up All Night tour in August, added that she’s now in “a very good place” and able to enjoy life more fully.

A Love Story with Many Chapters

Lopez and Affleck tied the knot in 2022 after rekindling their early-2000s romance. Once tabloid favorites known as “Bennifer,” they had famously gotten engaged in 2002 before calling off their wedding in 2003 amid media frenzy.

Following their initial breakup, Lopez went on to marry Marc Anthony (2004–2014) and was later engaged to Alex Rodriguez. Affleck married Jennifer Garner in 2005, with whom he shares three children, before their divorce in 2018. Lopez and Affleck finalized their own divorce in January 2025.

Ben Affleck Speaks Out

Affleck, for his part, has said there was “no scandal” behind the split. In a March interview with GQ, he explained that the end of their marriage wasn’t due to a single dramatic event, but rather the normal difficulties couples face.

“As you get older, it’s not about someone doing one big thing wrong,” Affleck noted. “It’s about trying to figure out your life and relationships the best way you can.”

Career Momentum and Oscar Buzz

Despite personal upheaval, Lopez’s career remains strong. In Kiss of the Spider Woman, she stars as fictional movie star Ingrid Luna alongside Diego Luna and Tonatiuh. The project, which Lopez called a “dream role,” was financed by Artists Equity — the production company co-founded by Affleck and Matt Damon. Lopez acknowledged her ex-husband’s role in getting the film made, saying, “I’ll always give him that credit.”

The film premiered at Sundance in January and has already generated Academy Award buzz for Lopez. Still, she told CBS Sunday Morning she isn’t focused on chasing an Oscar after being overlooked for her acclaimed role in Hustlers in 2019.

“It’s wonderful to be recognized and part of the conversation,” Lopez said. “Of course, everyone dreams of standing up there and saying thank you. But I realized I don’t need it in the same way I once thought. That said — I’d still love it!”