Jennifer Lopez is opening up about one of the most difficult chapters of her life—her divorce from Ben Affleck. More than a year after filing for separation, the global superstar has shared how she endured that painful period, how it changed her, and why she feels like a new person today.
Lopez, who is currently promoting her upcoming movie musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, spoke candidly in a recent interview, offering a rare glimpse into how she balanced personal struggles with professional triumphs.
Balancing Career Success and Personal Pain
In August 2024, Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, just two months after wrapping production on Kiss of the Spider Woman. The project, which premieres in theaters on October 10, quickly became a safe space for the singer and actress during a turbulent time.
Reflecting on the experience, Lopez admitted that it was “the best and the worst of times.” On set, she found happiness and fulfillment in playing a role she had dreamed of for years. But at home, the reality was much harder.
“Barely. It was tough. It was a tough time,” she revealed when asked how she coped while filming. “Every moment on set was joyful. But when I went home, it wasn’t so great. It was like, ‘How do I reconcile this?’”
Despite the emotional rollercoaster, Lopez sees the divorce as a turning point in her life. “It was the best thing that ever happened to me because it helped me grow. It made me more self-aware. I’m a different person now than I was last year.”
A “Very Good” Place Today
Lopez is now in what she calls a “very good” place, especially after finishing her Up All Night tour in August. The Grammy-winning performer explained that she is now able to “enjoy things more” because of the growth she experienced.
Her journey of resilience demonstrates how personal struggles can fuel personal reinvention. Fans have long admired Lopez for her ability to reinvent herself, and this chapter in her life is no exception.
A Look Back at Bennifer
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s love story has been one of Hollywood’s most talked-about relationships. The two first dated in the early 2000s, becoming a tabloid sensation under the nickname “Bennifer.” They got engaged in 2002, but after intense media scrutiny, they postponed their wedding in 2003 before splitting in 2004.
Years later, fate brought them back together. The couple rekindled their romance in 2021, married in 2022, and seemed to have found their happy ending. However, their relationship ultimately came to an end, with the divorce finalized in January 2025.
Lopez has since emphasized that while the breakup was difficult, there was no scandal or dramatic fallout. Affleck himself confirmed this earlier, explaining that divorces are often less about a single incident and more about two people navigating their lives and relationships.
Other Relationships and Life Chapters
Lopez’s romantic journey has been well-documented. After her initial breakup with Affleck in 2004, she married singer Marc Anthony, with whom she shares twins. Their marriage lasted a decade before ending in 2014. Later, she became engaged to former baseball star Alex Rodriguez in 2019, though they ended things in 2021.
Affleck, meanwhile, was married to actress Jennifer Garner from 2005 to 2018, with whom he shares three children.
These past relationships highlight how both Lopez and Affleck have navigated the complexities of love, family, and fame over the years.
Kiss of the Spider Woman – A Dream Project
Despite personal turmoil, Lopez’s career momentum hasn’t slowed down. She stars as Ingrid Luna, a fictional movie star, in Kiss of the Spider Woman. The film is based on the celebrated stage musical and also features performances from Diego Luna and Tonatiuh.
Lopez has described the film as a dream project, fulfilling her lifelong desire to star in a movie musical. Interestingly, the project itself was financed by Artists Equity—the company founded by none other than Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.
“I’ll always give him that credit,” Lopez admitted, recognizing her ex-husband’s role in making the movie possible.
Oscar Buzz and Past Lessons
Since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January, Kiss of the Spider Woman has generated significant Oscar buzz, with many critics praising Lopez’s performance. But when asked about the possibility of an Academy Award nomination, Lopez downplayed the chatter.
“I’m not thinking about it,” she said. “I learned my lesson last time.”
Back in 2019, Lopez was widely expected to earn a nomination for her critically acclaimed role in Hustlers. When the nod didn’t come, she admitted feeling deeply hurt, a moment she later reflected on in her documentary Halftime.
Now, she approaches awards season with more maturity and perspective. “It’s great to be in the conversation. People recognizing your work is enough. Of course, we all want that big moment, but I realized I don’t need it the way I thought I did when I was younger. Not that I wouldn’t love it!”
Moving Forward
Jennifer Lopez’s openness about her divorce and personal growth reminds us that even global superstars face struggles behind the spotlight. Yet, her resilience, focus on her art, and ability to find joy again make her journey all the more inspiring.
As she looks ahead—with a hit tour behind her, a new film generating Oscar buzz, and a renewed sense of self—Lopez proves once again why she remains one of the most influential entertainers of her generation.
Her story is not just about heartbreak, but about healing, growth, and the power of reinvention.