Ben Affleck took a break from the Hollywood hustle to enjoy a Sunday outing with his three children in Santa Monica, amidst swirling divorce rumors with Jennifer Lopez. The Oscar-winning actor, 51, was seen dining outdoors and soaking up the early summer vibes with his kids, Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12.
Dressed casually in a light gray, short-sleeved shirt emblazoned with a black lightning bolt, dark gray pants, and comfy Nike sneakers, Affleck looked every bit the doting dad. He carried a plaid jacket over his arm, ready for any chill in the air, as they strolled to a nearby restaurant.
The family outing was a picture of relaxed fun, with the group later spotted enjoying a card game at their outdoor table. This appearance comes hot on the heels of Affleck being seen wearing his wedding ring during a walk with his son, Samuel, further fueling speculation about the state of his marriage to Lopez.
Rumors of trouble in paradise began when it was reported that the couple is living separately, with Affleck renting a $100k-a-month pad in Brentwood while Lopez remains at their $60 million Bel Air estate. Lopez has been busy promoting her latest Netflix film, “Atlas,” which despite a cold reception from critics, has climbed to the top of Netflix’s U.S. Movies chart.
Adding to the intrigue, Lopez recently posed defiantly in front of a “Don’t F With JLO” billboard, even as co-star Sterling K. Brown insisted the couple is “very much in love.” Brown shared that Affleck often read lines for Lopez during filming, indicating a close bond.
Lopez bans Affleck questions, friends dismiss divorce rumors: What’s really going on?
TMZ recently reported that Lopez banned questions about Affleck at “Atlas” premieres. However, during a press conference in Mexico, when asked directly about the split rumors, Lopez tersely replied, “You know better than that,” with co-star Simu Liu backing her up.
Affleck’s friend Jason Mewes dismissed the rumors, recalling the sincerity of their 2022 wedding and suggesting that Affleck’s temporary stay in Brentwood is simply for privacy during his current film project, “The Accountant 2.”
Sources reveal conflicting views on the couple’s dynamic. Some cite differing approaches to media attention-Lopez’s openness versus Affleck’s preference for privacy-as a source of tension. Despite these differences, insiders describe their relationship as a “great love story,” with their bond enduring through various challenges.
Last weekend, the couple was seen together at a movie event in Brentwood, leaving the venue with smiles and sporting their wedding rings. As they drove off, a photo of Lopez could be seen on Affleck’s phone, suggesting that their connection remains strong despite the rumors.