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Arts & Culture
31 March 2025

Ben Affleck Opens Up About Life After Divorce

In a candid interview, Affleck discusses co-parenting, fame, and his future.

Ben Affleck has recently opened up about his life following his high-profile divorce from Jennifer Lopez, sharing insights in a candid interview with GQ for their April 2025 issue. This marks his first substantial remarks since the split, which has captured media attention and public curiosity.

In the interview, Affleck, now 52, emphasized that his primary focus is on his children. "There’s nothing newsworthy at all about the day-to-day events of my life or the conversation I have with one person or another person that’s photographed," he stated, reflecting on his approach to fame and the scrutiny that comes with it. He expressed gratitude for his co-parenting relationship with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, with whom he shares three children. "I’m really lucky that I have a really good co-parent and partner in Jennifer Garner, the kids’ mom, who’s wonderful and great and we work together well," he remarked, showcasing a mature perspective on family dynamics.

Affleck's divorce from Lopez, which was finalized in January 2025 after Lopez filed in August 2024, has been surrounded by speculation and rumors. However, he clarified that there was no dramatic fallout or scandal behind their separation. "There’s a tendency to look at breakups and want to identify root causes. But honestly, the truth is much more quotidian than probably people would believe or would be interesting," he explained. Affleck noted that while he and Lopez had differing views on fame—she embraces the spotlight while he tends to avoid it—this was not the crux of their issues. "You don’t marry a ship captain and then say, ‘Well, I don’t like going out in the water,'" he quipped, referencing Lopez's high-profile lifestyle.

Affleck also discussed his participation in Lopez's 2024 documentary, The Greatest Love Story Never Told, stating it was his idea to appear in it. He wanted to present an honest portrayal of Lopez, acknowledging her strengths. "If I’m going to participate in this, I want to try to do it in an honest way… I want people to see that [Lopez] is great," he said, demonstrating his respect for her despite their personal differences.

As for his own experience with fame, Affleck candidly admitted, "People are accustomed to a more presented, curated image. My life is actually pretty drama-free." He acknowledged the public's perception of his life, especially after the divorce, but insisted that the reality is much less sensational. "I understand that instinct, but all of this is pretty adult, and for all the sensational stuff that gets written, if somebody sat down and talked to me about it, and I said, ‘Well, this is really the experience,’ their eyes would glaze over with boredom," he added.

In the interview, Affleck also touched upon his time portraying Batman, revealing that he was drawn to the idea of an older Bruce Wayne. However, he expressed concern that the character's portrayal began to skew too old for younger audiences. "Even my own son at the time was too scared to watch the movie," he admitted, highlighting the challenges of appealing to different demographics in superhero films. He concluded that the conflicting visions between filmmakers and studio expectations can lead to difficulties in production.

Following the publication of the GQ interview, Affleck appears to be shifting his focus more toward his career and family life. According to a source cited by PEOPLE Magazine, "Ben's doing well. The GQ story was kind of all about clearing the air one last time." The insider noted that Affleck has come to terms with his past and is now concentrating on his children and upcoming projects.

Affleck's relationship with Garner, who he was married to from 2005 to 2018, remains strong as they co-parent their children. The actor expressed his determination to maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship, stating, "It’s more of a headache than anything else, and there certainly are worse things." His commitment to family is evident, as he shared that he enjoys spending time with his 13-year-old son, Samuel, including their shared passion for motorcycle riding, which they indulged in during a ride together in June 2024.

As Affleck moves forward, he reflects on his past with a sense of resolution. He acknowledges that while the end of his marriage to Lopez was not what he had hoped for, he is eager to focus on the future. "He’s not proud that their marriage didn't work out. He didn't want to hurt her," the source revealed. Yet, Affleck is reportedly excited about his work and upcoming projects, thriving when he stays busy.

In the end, Affleck's insights reveal a man in transition, navigating the complexities of fame, family, and personal growth. His candidness about his experiences offers a glimpse into the life of a Hollywood star who, despite the glitz and glamour, seeks a normal and fulfilling life centered around his children and his craft.