Ben Affleck has spoken publicly for the first time about his highly publicized divorce from Jennifer Lopez, offering a rare and introspective look into one of Hollywood’s most talked-about relationships.

In a candid interview on March 25, the 53-year-old actor opened up about his personal and professional life, including the end of his marriage to Lopez, whom he wed in 2022 and divorced less than two years later.

Despite intense speculation and headlines suggesting betrayal, tension, or scandal, Affleck insisted that their separation was rooted in far more ordinary causes.

“My divorce from Jennifer Lopez has no scandal, no drama, no conspiracy behind it,” Affleck said. “People want a more sensational story, but sometimes the truth is simpler than they want to believe.”

The actor emphasized that, while the public may continue to search for hidden meaning or blame, there’s little more to uncover. “It wasn’t about betrayal or clashing egos. It was just life,” he added.

Appearing in J.Lo’s Documentary

Affleck also reflected on his decision to appear in Lopez’s 2024 documentary The Greatest Love Story Never Told, a deeply personal project that chronicled the singer’s emotional and spiritual journey over the past two decades.

The documentary stirred conversations among fans and critics alike, many of whom questioned Affleck’s willingness to participate—especially given his reputation for guarding his privacy.

“Part of me was like, ‘If I’m going to do this, I want to do it in a way that’s honest and engaging,’” he told GQ. “There are people who handle fame better than me—Jennifer is one of them. My personality is more private. We didn’t always see eye-to-eye on that.”

Affleck admitted that the documentary, in which Lopez shares vulnerable insights into their relationship, sometimes made him uncomfortable. Still, he chose to take part because of his respect for her and their shared history.

“I love and support her. I trust my ex-wife. She’s great, and I want people to see that.”

Addressing the Rumors

Following the documentary’s release, rumors swirled across social media, with fans rewatching scenes for “clues” to the couple’s breakup. Many speculated that Lopez’s public openness clashed with Affleck’s need for privacy, creating tension behind the scenes.

Affleck addressed the speculation head-on.

“I remember saying in one scene: ‘You can’t marry a captain and then declare that you don’t like water,’” he told GQ. “You have to accept the differences when you enter a relationship. But that wasn’t the reason for the breakup.”

He added that audiences watching a documentary—or even reading interviews—shouldn’t assume they fully understand what happened between them. “You can’t diagnose a marriage from the outside,” he said.

A Relationship That Spanned Two Decades

Affleck and Lopez’s love story has captivated the public for more than 20 years. The pair, affectionately known as “Bennifer,” first got engaged in 2002 before calling it off in early 2004. Both went on to marry others and build families—Affleck with actress Jennifer Garner, Lopez with singer Marc Anthony—before reuniting in 2021.

They rekindled their romance and married in 2022, but filed for divorce in August 2024. The divorce was finalized in February 2025. Despite the short-lived marriage, Affleck insists the bond they shared was real and meaningful.

“When you ask me about the movie and Jennifer, I reveal a little bit about my personal life,” he said. “I’m not afraid to speak up as long as my thoughts and beliefs are conveyed accurately. Hopefully I’ve made my respect for her clear.”

Looking Forward

Ben Affleck, a two-time Academy Award winner known for films like Argo, Gone Girl, and The Town, has continued to build a career that straddles both acting and directing. Despite the turbulence in his personal life, he remains focused on creative growth and staying grounded.

Jennifer Lopez, who turned 56 this year, continues to dominate both music and film. Her recent projects include The Mother, Shotgun Wedding, and the ongoing success of her beauty brand, J.Lo Beauty.

While their romantic chapter may be closed, the mutual admiration between Affleck and Lopez remains evident. Their story—marked by rekindled love, deep challenges, and respectful parting—may not be the fairytale fans hoped for, but it is undeniably real.

And in Hollywood, that kind of honesty is as rare as it is refreshing.