Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein have been lighting up red carpets with what looked like undeniable chemistry — but new reports suggest fans may want to pump the brakes on calling it a love story. Insiders now claim the rumored romance between the “Office Romance” co-stars is less Hollywood fairytale and more carefully timed publicity push ahead of their Netflix release.
According to a report published on Sunday, sources close to the pair insist the dating chatter has been encouraged — not corrected — because it’s helping build buzz for their upcoming film.
How the Romance Rumors Took Off
The speculation started gaining traction as Lopez, 56, and Goldstein, 45, began promoting “Office Romance,” a raunchy rom-com about a secret workplace relationship that premieres on Netflix on June 5. The two were spotted on a Broadway outing in New York City, and witnesses claimed they were “canoodling” during the film’s wrap party.
Then came Lopez’s appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” where she called Goldstein the best onscreen kisser she’s ever had — quite the compliment from a four-time divorcee who has shared the screen with both Ben Affleck, 54, and ex-husband Marc Anthony.
Things escalated at Netflix’s Upfront event earlier this month, when Goldstein wrapped his arm around Lopez while posing for photographers. The body language was warm. The smiles were wide. Fans were convinced.
Sources Say It’s All a ‘Showmance’
Not so fast, insiders say. Sources close to the production insist Jennifer and Brett are not dating or romantically involved at all, adding that the two find the speculation amusing and are leaning into it because they’re genuinely excited for the film’s debut.
Another source framed the situation as strategic — a deliberate effort by Lopez to elevate Goldstein’s profile. While the Emmy-winning actor became a household name thanks to his breakout role as Roy Kent on Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso,” insiders argue he hasn’t quite crossed into leading-man territory yet.
“She will take the attention it brings and she will gladly give him some shine, but it is currently nothing more than a showmance for them over a romance,” one source said.
That framing is especially interesting given how invested Goldstein appears to be in the project. He reportedly wrote “Office Romance” specifically for Lopez and refused to film it unless she agreed to play his leading lady. Their connection — professional or otherwise — was on display during her Las Vegas residency in January 2025, and again weeks later at the Golden Globes.
The Ben Affleck Factor
Looming over all of this, of course, is Affleck. Lopez and Affleck famously rekindled their romance in 2021, nearly two decades after their first engagement ended. Their reunion captivated fans, culminated in marriage, and then unraveled when Affleck moved out less than two years in. The split also came on the heels of disappointing returns for Lopez’s first album in years and the two accompanying films built around their love story.
The divorce became final in January 2025 — just before “Office Romance” began filming. Sources say Lopez was eager to project confidence and momentum after a deeply public split, and a glamorous co-star pairing fit the moment perfectly.
Still, those close to Lopez say her feelings for Affleck haven’t fully faded. Insiders describe her as devastated by the end of the marriage and hesitant to dive back into serious dating. According to sources, men and dating simply aren’t a priority for her right now — she’s said to be in a good place, focused on herself.
Why Goldstein Doesn’t ‘Tick the Boxes’
An earlier report from April 29 went even further, with sources claiming Lopez viewed Goldstein as a rebound from the start. The numbers reportedly play a role, too: Lopez’s estimated $400 million net worth dwarfs Goldstein’s reported $5 million, and insiders say that gap matters when it comes to “brand J.Lo.”
“She has brand J.Lo to think about, so she needs someone whose bank account and star quality are in the same stratosphere. Unfortunately, Brett’s not quite there yet,” the source said.
Sources describe Lopez’s view of Goldstein as warm but realistic — she thinks he’s a genuinely nice guy, and the admiration is mutual. Goldstein has gushed about her in interviews, calling her “so charming” and “magic.” But whatever exists between them, insiders say, isn’t built to last beyond the press tour.
For now, fans will get plenty more chances to read into every glance and arm-wrap as the “Office Romance” promo tour rolls on. Whether the chemistry is genuine, manufactured, or somewhere in between, both stars seem perfectly content to let the public guess — at least until June 5, when the movie finally speaks for itself.