Ben Affleck ‘casually dating’ as he is declared legally single following Jennifer Lopez divorce
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ben Affleck, reportedly still reeling from the emotional toll of his divorce from Jennifer Lopez, is slowly dipping his toes back into the dating scene.
Sources close to the actor say that family support has played a key role in his decision to move on from his single life.
Affleck and Lopez finalized their legal settlement on January 6, following the 'On the Floor' singer's divorce filing on August 20, 2024, citing irreconcilable differences. In the filing, Lopez marked their separation date as April 26, 2024.
Ben Affleck is 'ready to move on' and date again
A source close to Ben Affleck told People that the actor is "casually dating", although this is not his priority at the moment.
The insider reported, "This doesn't seem to be a focus though."
They added that the Oscar-winning actor is "very focused on work" and spends long days at his office when he is not filming. The 52-year-old actor also dedicates much of his time to his children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner—Violet Anne, 19, Seraphina Rose, 16, and Samuel, 12—with a particular emphasis on spending time with his youngest, Samuel.
Another source shared with DailyMail that Affleck is slowly opening himself up to dating again with the support of his loved ones.
"This weight is lifted from him and he is ready to move on and date again — if the right woman comes along," the insider explained. "He is taking a minute because this has taken a toll on him. He is staying close to his family and his sobriety circle."
This news comes after Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's marriage was officially dissolved on February 21, with both now legally single. It marks the second time the couple has separated—having rekindled their romance in 2021 after calling off their first engagement in 2004.
As Affleck focuses on his career, his latest project, ‘The Accountant 2’, will release soon. The sequel to the 2016 action-thriller will debut at the SXSW Film Festival on March 8 before hitting theaters on April 25.
Affleck will reprise his role as Christian Wolff, with Jon Bernthal returning as his brother, Brax. Additionally, Affleck recently teased his action-packed thriller ‘RIP’ at the 2025 Next on Netflix Special Presentation in Los Angeles on January 29.
Jennifer Lopez reflects on being single again after Ben Affleck divorce
Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez has been focusing on herself and has no immediate plans to start dating again.
A source close to Lopez told DailyMail, "Jen like most people, would love to have love in her life again."
However, the insider emphasized, "But the one person she has to give her time to right now is herself. If something presents itself, then obviously life and love find a way, but she isn't looking to get into any new relationships."
Lopez recently opened up about the end of her fourth marriage to Interview magazine. Speaking with comedian Nikki Glaser, she shared, "It feels lonely, unfamiliar, scary. It feels sad. It feels desperate."
She continued, "But when you sit in those feelings and go, 'These things are not going to kill me,' it’s like actually, I am capable of joy and happiness all by myself. Being in a relationship doesn’t define me. I can’t be looking for happiness in other people. I have to have happiness within myself."
"I used to say I’m a happy person, but was still looking for something for somebody else to fill, and it’s just like, 'No, I’m actually good'," she added.
