In early 2024, Ben Affleck just decided that he was done with his marriage to Jennifer Lopez. He quiet-quit the marriage, ghosting Jennifer for weeks at a time, and barely engaging with her when they were in the same place. There were rumors of an affair (with Robert Kennedy Jr’s daughter Kick Kennedy), and J.Lo certainly let people know that *she* believed he was fooling around. But mostly, it was like Ben simply decided he was done and he left Jennifer to decide when and how they would divorce. Since their divorce, Ben really hasn’t been seen with anyone else and he certainly hasn’t dated anyone officially. Well, as Ben promoted his latest film, Animals, he was asked about the state of his love life. He says he’s single and focused on his kids.
Ben Affleck revealed that he’s not focused on dating two years after his split from ex-wife Jennifer Lopez. The Oscar winner was asked about his love life at the New York premiere for his new film, “Animals,” on Thursday, telling Entertainment Tonight that work and his three children come first.
“There’s not a lot of room. I’m not running around,” he said about dating. “It’s just not a big priority in my life.”
Affleck, 54, insisted that he’s “good and happy” as a single man.
“I know what my priorities are. You can’t have two things that are the most important in your life,” he explained. “For me, that’s the kids. So that’s what that is. And then I have my work, which I love.”
Affleck added, “I’m where I’m at, and I’m great, and who knows what adventures life will bring. I’m open to it, but I’m not trying to chase anything.”
Earlier in the interview, reporter Kevin Frazier asked Affleck about Ana Navarro claiming on Monday’s episode of “The View” that she tried to set the “Gone Girl” star up with Shakira after his and Lopez’s split in 2024.
“I hear s–t like that, honestly, first from people like you,” Affleck said, adding, “I never heard that in my whole life. People gossip. Stuff gets made up.”
Affleck insisted, “I don’t get set up.”
The “Argo” director shares Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 14, with ex-wife Jennifer Garner.
Is it really news when a 54-year-old, twice-divorced man is single and keeping himself together? Sort of. Actually, it IS news when it’s Ben Affleck, who goes through extremely messy phases, then cleans himself up, then dives back into chaos. It’s a pattern, and if the pattern holds, he’s like a year away from throwing himself head-first into an inappropriate relationship with a much-younger woman. But until then, I’m happy for him and I hope this version of Ben sticks around. He seems content, focused, sober and happy. Maybe he got all of the love shambles out of his system.
Photos courtesy of Cover Images, Backgrid.
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- Arrivals to the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Animals at the Westwood Village Theater Featuring: Ben Affleck Where: Los Angeles, California, United States When: 01 Oct 2026 Credit: Dave Starbuck/Future Image/Cover Images **NOT FOR PUBLICATION IN GERMANY**
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- Arrivals at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Animals at the Westwood Village Theater Featuring: Ben Affleck Where: Los Angeles, California, United States When: 01 Oct 2026 Credit: Jacob Lewis/INSTARimages
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- Los Angeles, CA – Ben Affleck was seen following on-set rules while filming “Animals” in East Los Angeles, stepping outside for a smoke break as no smoking is allowed indoors. The actor wore a wedding band during filming, while co-star Steven Yeun was also spotted on set for the first time. Pictured: Ben Affleck BACKGRID USA 4 APRIL 2025 USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
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- Los Angeles, CA – Ben Affleck was seen following on-set rules while filming “Animals” in East Los Angeles, stepping outside for a smoke break as no smoking is allowed indoors. The actor wore a wedding band during filming, while co-star Steven Yeun was also spotted on set for the first time. Pictured: Ben Affleck BACKGRID USA 4 APRIL 2025 USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
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- Los Angeles, CA – Actor Ben Affleck makes a stylish appearance while visiting Jennifer Garner’s home in Los Angeles to celebrate Mother’s Day, adding a touch of warmth to the family occasion. Pictured: Ben Affleck BACKGRID USA 11 MAY 2025 USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
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- Arrivals at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Animals at the Westwood Village Theater Featuring: Ben Affleck Where: Los Angeles, California, United States When: 01 Oct 2026 Credit: Jacob Lewis/INSTARimages
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- Arrivals at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Animals at the Westwood Village Theater Featuring: Ben Affleck, Kerry Washington Where: Los Angeles, California, United States When: 01 Oct 2026 Credit: Jacob Lewis/INSTARimages
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- Arrivals at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Animals at the Westwood Village Theater Featuring: Matt Damon, Luciana Damon, Ben Affleck Where: Los Angeles, California, United States When: 01 Oct 2026 Credit: Jacob Lewis/INSTARimages
This is probably what he should have been doing earlier, while he was getting sober. Not dating, focusing on getting and staying sober. It looks good and healthy. If he is dating, I don’t think he should tell anyone, having been involved in such feeding frenzies in the past. I was half convinced he had gotten back together with Jennifer Garner.
I totally believe he will be chasing women in their early twenties for the rest of his life.
I love the way he wants to make his kids a priority when they’re nearly all adults. 🙄
Why weren’t they a priority when they were children?
🎯
This summer was actually quite messy. He wants someone else (of his own age), and someone else also wants him. But they have been hampered by extremely complicated external situations. So now they broke it off again. I mostly get this after reading gossip articles and trades and did some deductions. And make no mistake, Jennifer Garner is doing her utmost to nip this in the bud, because she will not be able to stomach it, more than his marriage with JLo. Under that pepper mint candy layer is something entirely different. And you probably shouldn’t eat that candy for your own safety.
Who would want to date a man that chased after his ex and then ghosted her til she had to finally file for divorce?
Sure Jan.
I’m convinced he and JLo are the Liz and Dick of our era. I will 100% not be surprised if, at some future date, they decide third time’s the charm and try again.
N.W., Reveal what you know! You’re killing me.