Jennifer Lopez Says Divorcing Ben Affleck Was ‘The Best Thing That Ever Happened’

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Jennifer Lopez is looking back at her split from Ben Affleck with gratitude, saying the divorce ultimately transformed her life for the better.

In a new sit-down with CBS Sunday Morning, the 56-year-old singer and actress reflected on her January 2024 divorce from Affleck while promoting her upcoming musical drama Kiss of the Spider Woman, a project Affleck himself helped produce.

“It was tough. It was a really tough time,” Lopez admitted, recalling how she balanced filming with personal turmoil. “It was hard not to think about stuff. It was the best and the worst of times, in a way.”

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Despite the challenges, Lopez said the experience pushed her into a new chapter. “Honestly, I have to say it was the best thing that ever happened to me,” she revealed. “Because it changed me… it helped me grow in a way that I needed to grow. Become more self-aware. I’m a different person now than I was last year.”

The Unstoppable star added that her first summer post-divorce was one of her happiest yet. “I had so much fun. I’m able to enjoy things more. The joy is in living and these moments and really embracing life,” she said. “The hard times are the lessons, and once you understand that, everything becomes a little lighter and you can really, really fly.”

Lopez, however, credited Affleck for helping make her dream role a reality. “The movie wouldn’t have been made if it wasn’t for him and Artists Equity,” she noted. “I told him this was the role I was born to play, and he helped make it happen.”

Directed by Bill Condon, Kiss of the Spider Woman is based on the Tony-winning musical and Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel. Lopez stars as fictional screen siren Ingrid Luna, opposite Diego Luna and newcomer Tonatiuh Elizarraraz. The film is set to hit theaters Oct. 10.

Lopez filed for divorce in August 2024 after two years of marriage. At the time, sources cited Affleck’s “erratic mood swings” as a strain on the relationship. Both stars have since spoken publicly about maintaining mutual respect. In April, Affleck described Lopez as “enormously important” and praised her relationship with his children.

Lopez, meanwhile, said she has no regrets. “If that hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t understand the things I understand now,” she told CBS. “And for that, I’m grateful.”

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