J.Lo Spills: The Surprising Silver Lining of Her Breakup With Ben Affleck

Jennifer Lopez is keeping it real about her split from Ben Affleck — and honestly, she is surprising even herself.

“It Changed Me”: Jennifer Lopez on Life After Ben Affleck

The entertainment superstar, 56, recently opened up about the divorce on CBS News Sunday Morning, and instead of dwelling on heartbreak, she called it the “best thing that ever happened” to her. Why? The split from Affleck forced her to grow, become more self-aware, and ultimately emerge stronger.

The talented mother of two filed for divorce in August 2024, on what would have been the famous exes’ second wedding anniversary. Their marriage officially ended earlier this year, and while she admits the breakup was tough, J.Lo says she is in a much better place now. “I had so much fun,” she said, even calling this past summer “probably the best I’ve ever had.”

Of course, it was not all smooth sailing. She was working on her passion project, Kiss of the Spider Woman, during the breakup — and Affleck just so happened to be an executive producer. Awkward? Definitely. Lopez described it as “the best and the worst of times,” explaining that while she was thriving on set, things at home were not so great.

J.Lo Credits Ben Affleck for Helping Make Her Dream Movie, Despite Divorce

Still, she admits the film was her lifeline, giving her something bigger than heartbreak to focus on. And despite the circumstances, she gives credit where it’s due: Lopez says the movie would not have been made without Affleck and his company, Artist Equity, which financed the project. “I’ll always give him credit for that,” she said.

Now, more than a year and a half since the split, Lopez says she is a very different person — happier, freer, and more present in her life. It turns out what seemed like an ending was really just the start of a new chapter.

Some online commenters note that they have heard similar statements from Lopez in the past, following her previous failed marriages. The critics also believe that Affleck is the one who grew tired of the relationship.

Lopez is ignoring the negativity and prefers to view her current situation in the best possible light.