The New J.Lo INDEPENDENT AND AT PEACE

For decades, Jennifer Lopez's love life has taken center stage. Now, the star is reclaiming the spotlight and (finally!) putting herself first

- by JAIME HARKIN

The internet was in a frenzy after Jennifer Lopez and ex Ben Affleck were spotted cozying up to each other at the NYC premiere of her new movie, Kiss of the Spider Woman, on Oct. 6. The former couple looked completely at ease as they posed for photos with their arms around one another and shared a quick, intimate chat in between red carpet interviews. Memes about Bennifer 3.0 circulated — along with the hashtag #BenniferForever — as fans excitedly posted about the possibility of a romantic reunion.

It was soon revealed Affleck was there to support the film as an executive producer, not to hard-launch a reconciliation with Lopez, 56. According to sources, the actress — who split from Affleck in August 2024 after two years of marriage (they ended their first engagement in 2004) — has no interest in getting back together with the actor, 53. “There is nothing going on between them,” says one source. The booked and busy star is thriving on her own, and focused solely on her kids (she and ex Marc Anthony share twins Max and Emme, 17) and her career (she’s earning Oscar buzz for her performance in Kiss of the Spider Woman). "Jen feels more comfortable in her skin than ever," says a second source. "There's a sense of independence and peace about her. She's in a really good headspace right now."

Picking up the Pieces

It took time for Lopez to heal, but, says the second source, The actress opened up about the divorce in a September interview on CBS News Sunday Morning, calling it a “tough time” before noting that it ultimately became “the best thing that ever happened” to her. "It helped me grow in a way I needed to grow, [to] become more self-aware,” she added. “I'm a different person than I was last year.” A third source tells Us Lopez is “grateful for the lessons she’s learned” from her marriage to Affleck. “She has no regrets.”