When Ben Affleck and J.Lo were married, they seemed to blend their families seamlessly. Their combined five children appeared to form deep connections — and for a while during Ben and Jen’s split, his ex Jennifer Garner reportedly became close to J.Lo. Now, Jennifer Garner is now reportedly “distancing herself” from Jennifer Lopez amid her divorce from Ben.
More from MamásLatinas: Jennifer Lopez reportedly ‘trying something new’ to get over Ben Affleck
As a refresher, the Good Will Hunting actor was married to Garner from 2005 to 2018. During that time, they welcomed three children: Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12. J.Lo, meanwhile, shares twins, Emme and Max, 16, with her ex-husband, Marc Anthony.
Jennifer Garner reportedly doesn't want to talk to Jennifer Lopez unless it involves the kids.
A source reportedly close to the situation offered an update on Garner and Lopez’s dynamic.
“Jen no longer wishes to have communication with JLo unless it is [to] do with the kids,’ the source told the Daily Mail. “Her friends feel she shouldn’t have allowed herself to get so involved in helping JLo to fix her marriage to Ben.”
Reportedly, Garner was 'too nice' amid J.Lo and Ben's divorce.
The Daily Mail insider also referenced Ben and Garner’s marital issues involving J.Lo.
“Especially considering Jen felt pitted against JLo at times during their own marriage,” they added. “Jen is too nice and truly wanted to help, so she tried.”
The 'Alias' actress reportedly felt 'used as a pawn' as Ben and Lopez's marriage broke down.
In August, the Daily Mail offered insight into Garner’s role as Lopez and Ben’s relationship started falling apart.
“Jen feels slightly used as a pawn in JLo’s bid to repair her marriage,” a source told the outlet. “She doesn’t believe it was intentional.”
The source added, “But when Jen realized her ex-husband’s marriage was past the point of salvation, her only concern was Ben’s well-being and sobriety.”
Garner evidently 'acted as a mediator.'
“‘She was put in the middle and her friends think — no matter how you look at it — a man’s ex-wife should never have to play mediator in a divorce from his new wife,’ the Daily Mail source said in August. “‘Especially when said wife was a big love who Jen was compared to throughout their 13-year marriage. She is happy that Ben is now happy.”
When J.Lo's sister visited Violet at college, Garner reportedly found it 'odd.'
In November, J.Lo’s sister, Lynda, visited Ben and Garner’s daughter, Violet, at Yale and then posted a selfie via Instagram with the college student. “New Haven with my favorite Yalie! 💙,” Lynda captioned the update.
“JLo getting close to Violet felt odd to Jen and then Lynda popping up at Violet’s school,” an insider reportedly told the Daily Mail. “Jen’s loyalty is to the father of her kids — Ben — and their children. Because they love JLo. But Jen would never badmouth her or speak negatively about her.”
Previously, Garner reportedly just wanted 'the best' for Ben.
When J.Lo and Ben’s breakup reports first started in May 2024, a source close to the situation offered dished on Garner’s thoughts. The Yes Day actress reportedly “[wanted] the best” for her ex, People reported. “She wants him happy and healthy so he can be the best dad possible.”
