Jennifer Lopez is opening up about her split from Ben Affleck, calling their 2024 divorce a turning point that helped her grow stronger and more self-aware.
A Marriage That Captured the World
When Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck rekindled their romance after nearly two decades apart, the world was fascinated by their love story. Their second chance at love led to marriage, but the relationship ended when Lopez filed for divorce in August 2024, as first reported by TMZ.
Now, just over a year later, Lopez is reflecting on the end of that chapter in her life — and surprising many by calling the divorce “the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Lopez Opens Up in New Interview
In an interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, Lopez explained why she views her breakup with Affleck as a positive step forward.
“Because it changed me,” she said. “It didn’t change me, it helped me grow in a way that I needed to grow.”
During the filming of her upcoming movie, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Lopez was dealing with marital struggles behind the scenes. She described the experience as both painful and healing, noting that her role in the film became a refuge during difficult times at home.
Affleck’s Role in Lopez’s Dream Project
Despite their personal challenges, Lopez credits Ben Affleck for helping bring her dream project to life.
“The movie wouldn’t have been made if it wasn’t for him and his production company Artists Equity,” she said.
Lopez revealed that she told Affleck the role was something she was “born to play,” and he supported her by financing the film. For that, she says, she will always give him credit.
Finding Strength After Divorce
Though Lopez admitted that filming during the collapse of her marriage was painful, she now looks back on it as an opportunity for growth.
“It was the best and worst of times,” she explained. “On set I was so happy, but at home, it was not great. How do you reconcile that? But you get through it.”
She added that the experience forced her to reflect deeply on her life, leading her to greater self-awareness.
“I’m a different person than I was last year,” Lopez said. “This summer is probably the best summer I’ve ever had. I’m able to enjoy things more and be so much more grateful.”
A New Chapter of Joy
Lopez says she has found happiness in embracing life as it comes.
“I realized that the joy is in living in these moments and really embracing life and everything it brings — the triumphs and the lessons,” she said. “Once you understand that, everything becomes a little lighter and you can really, really fly.”
Lopez concluded by saying that without the divorce, she might never have reached this new level of gratitude and joy.
Her upcoming film, Kiss of the Spider Woman, hits theaters on October 10, 2025.
