Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s rekindled romance has hit a rough patch, with recent reports suggesting significant challenges in their relationship. Affleck’s longtime friend, Matt Damon, reportedly warned him about the potential pitfalls of rekindling his romance with Lopez, emphasizing risks to his sobriety and career.
Sources close to the actors revealed that Damon, 53, urged Affleck to prioritize his work and avoid distractions. “Matt tried to warn Ben when he got back together with J.Lo that this could happen,” an insider said. “Matt was there to help Ben get it together after their first split, and he felt like this would happen again.”
Affleck, 51, and Lopez, 54, have been living separately for months, fueling rumors of an imminent divorce. The couple, popularly known as Bennifer, has been seen without their wedding rings. Affleck has moved into a $100,000-a-month rental in Brentwood, California, while Lopez was spotted vacationing solo in Italy.
Adding to the speculation, the couple has discreetly put their $60 million Beverly Hills mansion up for sale. Insiders suggest that this move indicates deeper issues within their marriage.
Despite these challenges, both Affleck and Lopez have maintained a focus on their careers. Lopez has been busy preparing for her upcoming concert tour and promoting her Netflix movie “Atlas,” while Affleck has been filming “The Accountant 2.”
Damon’s concerns about the relationship’s impact on Affleck’s career are not unfounded. The “Good Will Hunting” star, who has enjoyed a stable 18-year marriage to Luciana Barroso, reportedly told Affleck, “What has she ever done for your career?” Damon has been a steadfast supporter, ensuring that Affleck stays on track and avoids relapsing into old habits.
Affleck and Lopez, who first dated in the early 2000s and reunited in 2021, have faced intense public scrutiny throughout their relationship. Lopez revealed in her documentary, “The Greatest Love Story Never Told,” that the pressure of their highly publicized romance led to their initial breakup just days before their planned wedding.
In recent interviews, Affleck admitted his discomfort with the constant media attention and the pressures of maintaining a high-profile relationship. He emphasized that he did not want his relationship with Lopez to be played out on social media despite recognizing that this expectation was part of being with a public figure like Lopez.
Lopez has been considering a move to New York City, a decision insiders claim was in the works even before her marital troubles escalated. This move is seen as a way for her to escape the scrutiny of the West Coast and focus on her family, including her 16-year-old twins, Max and Emme.
Despite the ongoing rumors and their separate lives, sources close to the couple maintain that they do not want to get divorced and are still trying to work through their issues. However, the future of their relationship remains uncertain as they navigate these turbulent times.