It seems like history has a way of repeating itself, especially in Hollywood. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s whirlwind romance, which reignited in 2021 after nearly two decades apart, has officially come to an end. The couple, who were once the talk of the town, have quietly called it quits, with Lopez filing for divorce on the second anniversary of their grand wedding. Now, it appears that Affleck is leaning on his longtime friend, Matt Damon, to get through this tough time.
Affleck, 52, was recently spotted dining with Damon and his wife, Luciana Barroso, at the popular Italian restaurant Toscana in Los Angeles. The sighting comes just a week after Lopez, 55, filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. Despite the somber nature of the situation, Affleck seemed to be in relatively good spirits during the outing. The “Gone Girl” actor, dressed casually in a white T-shirt, beige button-up, jeans, and Nikes, was seen laughing and joking with the valet after dinner.
Damon, 53, who has been Affleck’s close friend since their teenage years in Boston, has always been a source of support for the actor. Back in 2021, when Affleck and Lopez rekindled their romance, Damon was one of the first to publicly express his happiness for the couple. “I’m just so happy for him,” Damon told “Extra” in 2021. “He’s the best. He deserves every happiness in the world. I’m glad for both of them.” Now, with Affleck’s two-year marriage to Lopez coming to an end, it seems that Damon is once again there for his friend.
The trio’s night out in Los Angeles comes as reports continue to surface about the reasons behind the split. According to a source quoted by “People,” one of the primary factors contributing to the breakdown of the marriage was Affleck’s erratic mood swings. The source close to the couple said that there was a great deal of love but what became clear were Affleck’s unpredictable mood swings that he couldn’t hide from the press, as much as he tried to. “You could see the erratic behavior, the giant mood swings,” the source further added.
Despite the challenges in their relationship, there was clearly still a deep connection between the two. The source emphasized, “I would not be so bold to say there isn’t love — of course, there is. The world was rooting for them, but who he said he was and who he turned out to be were two different people.”
Lopez’s decision to file for divorce without an attorney and without seeking spousal support is another indication of her determination to move on. According to court documents, she listed the date of separation as April 26, 2024, and requested that her name be legally changed back to Jennifer Lynn Lopez. The couple’s decision not to sign a prenuptial agreement when they married in 2022 has also raised eyebrows, considering the significant assets involved, including their $68 million mansion in Beverly Hills, which they recently listed for sale.
As Affleck navigates this new chapter in his life, it’s clear that he’s relying on the support of his inner circle, particularly Damon, who has been a constant presence through the ups and downs.
As Affleck continues to adjust to life post-divorce, it’s likely that Damon will remain by his side, offering the support and camaraderie that only a lifelong friend can provide.