As Perezcious readers know, the couple was estranged and had been living apart for months before J.Lo finally filed for divorce last week. Apparently, Jenny from the Block never gave up on their romance, even though it sounds like Ben checked out way sooner. Friends told Page Six on Saturday that the singer hoped her husband would join her in the Hamptons for her 55th birthday last month, where she held a lavish Bridgerton-themed party. But he was a no-show — sending a clear signal things were over.

Related: J.Lo’s OBSESSION With Social Media Said To Be Destructive To Ben Affleck Marriage…

Stressing just how disappointing this breakup was, a friend said:

“She loves him, she will always love him, that’s the problem.”

Aww…

Rather than work on their relationship struggles, Ben has reportedly been spending a ton of time around Hollywood, such as at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Sources claim he was spotted there with RFK Jr.‘s daughter Kick Kennedy amid new relationship rumors. The extent of that connection hasn’t been confirmed, but Ben’s decision to step back from his love story with J.Lo was enough for her to finally file. Placing the blame on the Air director, one Hollywood source dished:

“She truly believed this was the greatest love story she’d ever known and she was finally getting her chance at the fairy tale. She just really didn’t stop to consider who the actual man was [in] the fairy tale.”

The confidant noted that the kind of “big love Jennifer believes in” is “not in [Ben’s] DNA,” elaborating:

“Ben has a darkness to him that no other person can fix. [His actress ex-wife] [Jennifer] Garner couldn’t fix it, all the success in the world couldn’t fix it. [Lopez] gave this everything she had; her whole heart. She would have done anything to make this work. She opened herself up to criticism, ridicule and countless naysayers who told her this was a bad idea, that it was doomed, that there was a reason it didn’t work the first time. But she didn’t want to believe it — she truly believed love would conquer all.”

Dang. That sux!

Ben’s ex-wife Jennifer Garner previously called Ben a “complicated guy,” telling Vanity Fair:

“I always say, ‘When his sun shines on you, you feel it.’ But when the sun is shining elsewhere, it’s cold. He can cast quite a shadow.”

The Hollywood source now thinks she’s absolutely right, pointing out:

“The thing is, Ben doesn’t dislike this side of himself — the side that needs solitude, that doesn’t believe anyone could ever truly understand him, that is convinced he is his only ally and the only person he can count on.”

Not exactly what you want in a marriage, though! While he’s happy to be a “provider” for his three kids, he just isn’t interested in the kind of romance the Marry Me lead longed for, the insider continued:

“He is proud of the fact that he always has and always will take care of himself. He is proud to be his children’s protector and provider. But he has never — and seemingly will never — give himself over completely to another person. The kind of big love Jennifer believes in, that sort of all-consuming devotion? Ben played along for a while and wanted to be part of it, but it’s just not who he is.”

If only he could have realized all this before they tied the knot!

As for why it took them so long to officially split, another source claimed the Good Will Hunting alum wanted to give his wife time to be seen looking “happy and healthy” throughout the summer before they called it quits. Seems like he always wanted to be in control of the narrative — way more than the public ever realized! As in the reports that he was the mastermind behind Jennifer’s documentary despite making it seem like he hated the project!!

Regardless of that one film, a Hollywood insider — who has known the Shotgun Wedding lead for decades — told the outlet that her love of the spotlight was an issue, too. They added:

“Jennifer can be so thirsty for attention. She could not step out of the limelight even for an instant. Everything has to be photographed and put on Instagram. My heart does feel bad for her. I think Ben did love her. She’s stable, she doesn’t drink, she doesn’t smoke, their kids got along … but she blew it with having to be ‘J. Lo.'”

There was also tension with Jen’s manager Benny Medina, the Hollywood source shared:

“Benny has a stronghold on Jennifer’s life. She needs to take back her life and stop letting others run it for her.”

Yeesh. Ultimately, no matter what Jennifer tried or could have tried to do, this marriage was never going to work. The Hollywood insider believes Ben “feels bad for the pain he’s caused,” but noted:

“He feels bad because he knows she gave it her all, not just for him but for his kids, too. They all bonded. Ben thought he could go along to get along — but people just don’t work that way for the long haul. He was never that good of an actor.”

The shade with that last sentence! Ouch!!

Still, it’s so sad that it took ’em this long to discover how incompatible they really are! Reactions?? Share them in the comments (below)!

[Image via Nicky Nelson/WENN/MEGA]

The post Ben Affleck Has 'A Darkness To Him' That Jennifer Lopez Could Never Fix -- Despite Her Best Efforts! appeared first on Perez Hilton.

As we previously reported, the 13 Going On 30 star tried very hard to help the former couple save their relationship during their separation this year. Garner even went as far as to listen to J.Lo about their marital problems and encouraged her ex-husband “to work on his marriage” to the singer before it was too late. Basically, the 52-year-old actress acted as their “marriage counselor” and “mediator” during this trying time, even though it bothered her boyfriend, John Miller, a lot!

Related: Jennifer Lopez Returns To Social Media For First Time Since Filing For Divorce!

So when Jennifer officially pulled the plug on her marriage to Ben earlier this week, it must have been disappointing to Garner. All the work she put into getting these two back together was all for nothing! But even if the Alias alum didn’t get the end result she wanted, she was glad to be of help at the end of the day — according to a source for Us Weekly on Friday! They said:

“Ben and Jennifer are friends, and they have a great coparenting relationship.”

The source further noted that Ben and Garner have a “mutual understanding that their kids come first” but “also get along really well,” as they have “a deep level of trust and respect between them.” All of that is to say, which is why Ben was able to go to his ex-wife with advice on how to navigate things with Jennifer! The insider shared that the filmmaker “confided in Jen in a lot of ways, especially lately when things with J.Lo haven’t been so great in recent months.”

As we mentioned, Garner really rooted for the two to make up. However, that was not in the cards — or written in the stars, as one astrologer would say. So now, the mom of three is rooting for Jennifer and Ben “to be happy” and will support them no matter what. The US source said:

“Jen was hopeful that things would work out between them but of course, she just wants them to be happy. So she supports whatever path they’ve decided to take.”

And obviously, that “path” was the duo calling it quits. Reactions, Perezcious readers? Are you sad Ben and Jen are getting a divorce? Sound OFF in the comments below!

[Image via MEGA/WENN]

The post How Jennifer Garner Really Feels About Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez Divorce After Trying So Hard To Help Save Their Marriage! appeared first on Perez Hilton.

On Thursday, a source close to the pair told People that while they were together, the 55-year-old actress helped him “become a family man again.” Throughout their relationship, they always made sure to prioritize family no matter what was going on! The proof is there, too! Over the past few months, we saw J.Lo show up for Ben’s kids even though the two were separated! The insider continued:

“Family is very important to both of them, and together they were family people — and the connection doesn’t end.”

Related: Did Ben Affleck Accidentally Reveal The Jennifer Lopez Breakup Months Ago?!

Perhaps that is why Bennifer 2.0 was written in the stars! To help the filmmaker step back into that role again! Jennifer Garner must be thrilled about that…

Unfortunately, since Ben and Jen are getting a divorce, that means the two are tearing their blended family apart. The Hustlers star has twins, Max and Emme, while Ben is a dad to Violet, Fin, and Samuel. All of them seemingly grew close, making the breakup even more heartbreaking! However, they are reportedly handling the whole situation “fine.” In fact, they all are just “ready to move on” at this point. Damn.

Even if the children still hoped for Ben and Jennifer to rekindle their romance, it sounds like things just wouldn’t work out in the long run. As we’ve heard time and time again, they are just too different, something the People source reiterates:

“They are very different people. She’s super public and wants to go out, and he’s more of an introvert and is happy to hang out at home.”

It is no secret Ben hates being in the spotlight — despite his career as an actor and filmmaker. He has been very vocal about it, even during his relationship with Jennifer. While the Argo star may have thought he could deal with her love of fame at one point, he clearly became fed up with it. And they’re now over, seemingly for good. Oof.

Ben and Jen didn’t get the fairytale ending they hoped for but at least he can walk away from his marriage knowing something positive came out of it! It wasn’t all for nothing! Reactions, Perezcious readers? Sound off in the comments!

[Image via MEGA/WENN]

The post Jennifer Lopez Marriage Was A Good Thing For Ben Affleck -- It Turned Him Into A 'Family Man Again'! appeared first on Perez Hilton.

In the months before J.Lo filed for divorce, we’ve heard Garner was all for the pair working things out and even took on the role of their “marriage counselor.” However, the more Garner got involved in Bennifer’s issues, the more it caused trouble in her own relationship! Her beau, John Miller, absolutely HATED how much she “hyper-focused on” Ben and his problems with J.Lo as he didn’t think it was her “responsibility” to fix things. He has a point…

Related: Astrologer Reveals Bennifer’s Love — AND Second Breakup — Was Written In The Stars!

Now, Garner and her man are trying to focus on their own romance so they don’t suffer the same fate as Bennifer! But it sounds like they have a lot to work through because the divorce has been super “tough” on John! A source explained Dailymail.com on Thursday:

“John doesn’t like sharing Jen, and there is a divide when it comes to her and Ben. He wishes it wasn’t like that because he understands they are a family, but it gets to him like it would anyone.”

Affleck and Garner spending time together amid his divorce debacle really bothers the guy, huh? Could there be another reason behind his frustration, though? Other than taking up Garner’s time with Bennifer probs? Honestly, with how much the exes have hung out recently, even on the day Jennifer filed for divorce, some people can’t help but wonder if they’ll be the next Bennifer to give their romance another shot! Is that why John is so irked by her involvement? Hmm.

Of course, the two have kids. They’re really good co-parents who see each other frequently as a family, divorced or no. But hey, if Ben and J.Lo could get back together years later, why not them? While social media users think it could happen, John, on the other hand, is not concerned Garner and Ben will be a thing again! The insider said:

“John doesn’t have any fears that they are getting back together — but it has been tough coping with her support for Ben during his split from J.Lo.”

And don’t worry! All of this is not to say the pair are in danger of heading toward splitsville! Yes, things have been hard for the lovebirds. However, the insider insisted Garner and the Cali Group chairman “haven’t split.” Their pals actually “feel that they will be together for a long time.”

In order for that to happen, though, John and the Alias alum need to work to get to a “better place” in their relationship — something they plan to do moving forward. They just need Ben’s saga to be over first! The source added:

“John is looking forward to Ben and J.Lo’s split being done so he can start focusing on Jen. Bumpy roads recently are looking to be smoothed out.  Both Jen and John are hoping for that. It is just going to take a little time. They both want to be in a better place, but some work needs to be done.”

And it’s Garner’s feelings for John, not Ben, which have actually have grown over these past few months! Good to hear! The insider noted that his patience has strengthened her bond with him:

“The relationship that Ben and Jen have is different, and where that bothers John, Jen actually likes that it is different because that is what attracted her to John in the first place.”

Hopefully, Bennifer’s bad luck doesn’t rub off on Garner and John! We would hate to see her going through a breakup, too! Thoughts, Perezcious readers? Would you also be annoyed like John if your partner was heavily involved in their ex’s split? Let us know in the comments below!

[Image via CBS Sunday Mornings/Glamour/NEC America/YouTube, Jennifer Lopez/Instagram]

The post Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez’s Divorce Is ‘Tough’ On Jennifer Garner’s Boyfriend -- Here's Why! appeared first on Perez Hilton.

As Perezcious readers know, the 52-year-old actress was a huge supporter of the former couple and rooted for them to work things out. She even reportedly stepped up to lend an ear to J.Lo when she wanted to fix things and encouraged “Ben to work on his marriage to Jen.” Even though it bothered her boyfriend, John Miller, how much she “hyper-focused on her ex-husband” and his drama, she continued to show up for them. Garner essentially became a “marriage counselor”!

Related: Why Jennifer Lopez’s Divorce Filing Is Actually Unusual For A Celebrity! 

However, she eventually took a step back and let them figure it out on their own once it got “too painful” and brought back too many memories of her divorce from Ben. Ultimately, the Alias alum didn’t get her wish. Ben and Jennifer did not get back together after they separated in April. The Dance Again artist filed for divorce this week instead.

Now, in light of the breakup, Garner feels like she was just a “pawn” while trying to get them to work out their issues in a way that would not affect Ben’s sobriety. A source told Dailymail.com on Wednesday:

“Jen feels slightly used as a pawn in JLo’s bid to repair her marriage. She doesn’t believe it was intentional. But when Jen realized her ex-husband’s marriage was past the point of salvation, her only concern was Ben’s well-being and sobriety.”

Given the two are raising three kids together, it’s no wonder she didn’t want anything like the stress of his separation to impact his sobriety! The insider added that her close pals didn’t like the way Jennifer leaned on Garner so much, despite knowing their complicated history:

“She was put in the middle and her friends think – no matter how you look at it – a man’s ex-wife should never have to play mediator in a divorce from his new wife. Especially when said wife was a big love who Jen was compared to throughout their 13-year marriage.”

That being said, the 13 Going On 30 star “is happy that Ben is now happy.” The good thing is that Garner will have some peace and won’t have to deal with Bennifer’s problems anymore now! Well, hopefully not! The two still have to go through the divorce process, and they did not have a prenup or the money details figured out beforehand! We all know how divorces without prenups can get messy! Let’s hope for the best that Ben and Jen can keep things amicable moving forward — if not for the sake of Garner, who is most likely sick of hearing about the drama at this point, than for their kiddos!

Thoughts, Perezcious readers? Sound OFF in the comments below!

[Image via LiveKellyandMark/YouTube, MEGA/WENN]

The post Jennifer Garner Felt Like A ‘Pawn’ While Trying To Help Jennifer Lopez Fix Marriage To Ben Affleck Before Divorce! appeared first on Perez Hilton.

Hard pass!! Stay away from Jennifer Garner that way, Ben Affleck!

The post Should Jennifer Garner Get Back Together With Ben Affleck? appeared first on Perez Hilton.

We’ve been hearing for MONTHS that the Argo Oscar winner and his estranged wife Jennifer Lopez were on the outs — even that their divorce docs were signed, just not yet turned in! But that all changed on Tuesday when the Jenny from the Block singer officially filed for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court on their second wedding anniversary. Ouch!

Related: Ben & Jen Broke Up WEEKS Before Anyone Knew!

But don’t worry. Ben was in familiar company… his ex-wife Jennifer Garner!

In pics obtained by DailyMail.com on Tuesday, the 52-year-old was spotted stepping off a private jet with his Daredevil co-star and their middle child Fin, 15. Ben had on a white shirt and blue pants, which he accessorized with aviator sunglasses and Nike shoes. Meanwhile, Garner had on a black t-shirt, green cargo pants, and athletic shoes.

According to the outlet, the family was returning from dropping off eldest daughter Violet, 18, at Yale University in Connecticut. After stepping off the jet, the trio hopped into a black BMW driven by Ben. See (below):

EXCLUSIVE: Ben Affleck glows next to ex Jennifer Garner on his 2 year wedding anniversary to Jennifer Lopez https://t.co/qu1M03jp2a pic.twitter.com/QGgOBhfcPC

— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) August 20, 2024

We wonder how J.Lo feels about that?? She and Garner apparently get along really well, so it seems like the latter truly wanted to help BOTH of them. But at the end of the day, she only has kids with Ben! Thoughts, Perezcious readers??

[Images via MEGA/WENN]

The post Ben Affleck Was With Jennifer Garner When J.Lo Filed For Divorce! appeared first on Perez Hilton.

The father of three is reportedly all in on getting ready to send off his firstborn to college! An insider told People he “has been very focused on getting the 18-year-old ready for move-in” at Yale University in Connecticut.

Related: Chris Pratt Shares Rare Glimpse Of His & Ex Anna Faris’ Son Jack For 12th Birthday!

Wow! Time FLIES! We’re sure it’s an extremely bittersweet feeling for him and Violet’s mother Jennifer Garner. They must be so proud, but also… their baby is going to be all the way on the other side of the country! The source added:

“It’s, of course, a huge deal for the whole family, and they’ve all been so excited the last few weeks.”

It’s time for Vi to spread her wings and fly! But in addition to her birth parents, one person we’re sure she’s making time for is her stepmomma — whether Ben likes it or not. As we’ve been following, she and the Jenny from the Block singer have developed quite the bond over the past couple years. And just as much as Violet enjoys spending time with her, J.Lo feels the same way! Just earlier this month, an insider told the outlet the 55-year-old is itching to “spend quality time with [Ben’s kids] before school resumes and Violet is off to college.”

Well, we hope it all works out for them! Who knows exactly what Ben and Jen’s future holds…

Reactions, Perezcious readers?? Can YOU believe Violet will be off to college soon?!

[Images via MEGA/WENN]

The post Ben Affleck Can't Focus On Jennifer Lopez Marriage Issues Right Now -- Not With His Daughter Heading Off To College! appeared first on Perez Hilton.

As summer begins to slip away, kids are gearing up to go back to school. But before that happens, momma Jen wants some “quality time” with her step babies! On Monday, an insider told People:

“[Jennifer] wants to spend quality time with [Ben’s kids] before school resumes and Violet is off to college.”

Wow! Wild to think that Violet is already heading off to college! Time flies! And clearly, the On the Floor singer wants to get in her last moments with the 18-year-old before she embarks on her journey! Even if things are less than okay with her estranged husband.

Related: Brad Pitt Has Been ‘Getting Updates’ On Estranged Son Pax’s Condition Following Brutal E-Bike Crash

The source added:

“Just because she’s not with Ben, doesn’t mean that she doesn’t care about his kids. She always cared about them. She spent months looking for the perfect house for their blended family last year.”

So sweet. As we reported, Jen stopped by the Argo star’s Brentwood home on Sunday, where she picked up Ben and ex-wife Jennifer Garner’s 12-year-old son Samuel for a bit of back to school shopping at the mall. No word on how she plans to spend time with his middle child Fin, 15, but we have a feeling how things might go with Violet…

As we’ve seen in the past, the teen and her step mom have bonded quite a bit on fashion and shopping trips. And on Sunday, Violet was spotted in LA in what looks to be the very same pink and white Dolce & Gabbana dress Jennifer wore on a Valentine’s Day date with Ben last year! See (below):

Awww! Violet clearly seems to have just as much of a soft spot for her stepmom as her stepmom does for her.

We’re not sure if Ben feels the same sort of connection to J.Lo’s twins Max and Emme, but she definitely isn’t missing out on any bonding time with them, either:

Jen is definitely on some serious Momma Bear duty right now. We wonder if her feelings for Ben’s kids will change how things go with the Justice League star. We know how important his family are to him. Will it be enough to convince him he’s better off working on the marriage than throwing it away? Thoughts, Perezcious readers?

[Images via Jimmy Kimmel Live & The Late Late Show with James Corden/YouTube, & MEGA/WENN]

The post Ben Affleck’s Daughter Violet Seen Wearing Jennifer Lopez's Dress! More Deets On J.Lo's 'Quality Time' On Stepmom Duty! appeared first on Perez Hilton.

Don’t worry… Those divorce jokes in Deadpool & Wolverine were totally approved!

While chatting with Variety on Monday about the megahit Marvel film, director Shawn Levy addressed the most awkward jokes in the film…

For those who didn’t see the hilarious flick, it was full of celeb in-jokes. Jennifer Garner‘s Elektra joked about the death of Daredevil — a hilarious meta joke considering she and Ben Affleck divorced years after falling in love playing those characters. And Ryan Reynolds made a jab about co-star Hugh Jackman letting himself go “since the divorce.” A rough one considering it hasn’t been that long since his split from Deborra-Lee Furness. The Greatest Showman star and his now ex-wife announced their divorce last September after 27 years of marriage.

Related: Britney Spears Biopic Is A Go! Who Will Play Her?!?

Some wondered if that one in particular was an ad-lib that Hugh had no idea was coming! But Levy swears it was all actor-approved! He explained:

“We never did a joke about or with anyone that we didn’t run by them first. Whether it was scripted, like the Daredevil line, or unscripted, like ‘He’s normally shirtless, but he’s let himself go since the divorce,’ which was more of on-set improv, Ryan or I would always run the lines by performers and make sure everyone felt comfortable and that we were never punching down.”

Wait, so that WAS improv on set? Damn! But at least Hugh said it was OK first! Shawn added:

“It was all in a playful spirit that everyone felt good about. Those lines wouldn’t be in the movie if Hugh and Jen didn’t think they were funny.”

Phew! Good to hear both of the stars thought they were funny, but… how did Ben and Deborra-Lee feel about them?? Just sayin’…

Thoughts??

[Images via Marvel/Fox/YouTube/MEGA/WENN]

The post Jennifer Garner & Hugh Jackman Greenlit THOSE Divorce Jokes In <i>Deadpool & Wolverine</i>! appeared first on Perez Hilton.