Jennifer Lopez Says Split from Ben Affleck Was a Blessing

Jennifer Lopez says her split from Ben Affleck turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

The singer and actress spoke with CBS News Sunday Morning’s Lee Cowan about how the divorce affected her life, especially during the filming of Kiss of the Spider Woman.

“It was a really tough time,” Lopez admitted. “Every moment on set, every moment I was doing this role, I was so happy. And then, it was like, back home, it was not great. And it was just like, ‘How do I reconcile this?’”

Lopez filed for divorce in August 2024, just two months after finishing production on the film. Reflecting on the breakup, she said, “It was the best thing that ever happened to me. Because it changed me.” She explained further, “It didn’t change me — it helped me grow in a way that I needed to grow.”

Now, Lopez says she is in a “good place” and describes last summer as probably the best she has ever had. “I had so much fun. I’m able to enjoy things more … I don’t have as much pressure,” she said. “I realized that the joy is in living and these moments and really embracing life and everything it brings to you.”

Comparing her experiences on set and in life, Lopez added, “The hard times are the lessons, and you have to understand that. You have to understand that. And once you do, everything just becomes a little bit lighter. And you can really, really fly.” When asked if she felt like she was “flying” now, she confirmed, “Yes. It does. And I still feel like I want to fly higher. I want to see more. I want to do more things.”

Lopez first dated Affleck in the early 2000s, meeting him on the set of Gigli in 2001. Their relationship was highly publicized, earning the media nickname “Bennifer.” They were engaged in 2002 but ended the engagement in 2004.

Lopez later married Marc Anthony, with whom she had twins, before eventually rekindling her romance with Affleck in 2021. The couple remarried in 2022 but filed for divorce two years later.

Throughout her career, Lopez has navigated high-profile relationships in the public eye, and she now seems focused on personal growth and finding joy in everyday life.

It’s inspiring to see Lopez embrace her experiences and turn challenges into growth. Her story shows that even the toughest moments can lead to newfound happiness. What do you think about her perspective on love and life? Share your thoughts in the comments.