Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck Were 'Cool With Each Other' At Back-To-School Night Amid Divorce
By Favour Adegoke on September 20, 2024 at 4:30 PM EDT
Updated on September 20, 2024 at 4:39 PM EDT
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are still putting up an amicable front amid their ongoing divorce.
The pair were recently seen together at their children's back-to-school night, signaling their commitment to keeping their blended family united despite the separation.
They were spotted enjoying brunch with their kids at a Beverly Hills hotel the weekend before.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are also yet to publicly address the reasons for their divorce or how far along they are in finalizing the process.
Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Were 'Cordial' At Back-To-School Gathering
Lopez and Affleck aren't letting their divorce stop them from being great parents to each other's children.
The divorcing couple portrayed a united front for the kids during their back-to-school night gathering.
Lopez and Affleck dressed casually for the event, as did their kids, who appeared to enjoy quality time with both parents.
Lopez, 55, is a mother to 16-year-old twins Emme and Max, whom she shares with her ex-husband Marc Anthony. Meanwhile, Affleck, 52, has three children—Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12—from his previous marriage to Jennifer Garner.
While it remains unclear how long the event lasted, a source told TMZ that the couple was "cordial" and "totally cool with each other."
The source also clarified that the sighting was not an indication of reconciliation, emphasizing that both are still focused on finalizing their divorce despite caring deeply about each other.
The Duo Previously Had A Brunch Date With Their Children
Lopez and Affleck's appearance was not the first time they have been seen in public with the kids since the "Atlas" star ended their marriage.
Last Saturday, they all went out for brunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
Lopez donned a long-sleeved black crop top for the outing, paired with flared dark-wash jeans that hid her shoes. Meanwhile, Affleck opted for a blue button-down shirt and jeans, along with a pair of Nike sneakers. The duo also complemented their looks with expensive sunglasses.
To the surprise of many, the couple displayed some PDA during the outing, although they made sure to keep it away from the kids.
"Ben and JLo are currently at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, holding hands and kissing. The kids are with them, but at a separate table," said a source at the time per Page Six.
The shocking display of affection was reportedly "not planned" and was due to the fact that the duo "always had a lot of sexual chemistry" and are "still attracted to one another."
Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Are Pushing On With Their Divorce
Aside from showing up for their kids, the duo seems to have stepped back from each other's public lives, as seen in their decision not to acknowledge each other on their most recent birthdays.
Affleck also opted to skip the premiere of "Unstoppable," leaving Lopez to attend alone despite each of them having a stake in the project.
The two are still discussing finalizing their divorce, opting for mediation to divide their assets rather than battling it out in court.
Affleck and Lopez did not have a prenup when they married, which explains why such a mediation is necessary. To help with the process, the duo has enlisted the services of high-powered divorce attorney Laura Wasser. Wasser previously worked with Kim Kardashian and Kevin Costner.
Lopez and Affleck have also tried to expedite the process by listing their $68 million Beverly Hills mansion for sale, even before news of their divorce became public.
The Singer's Ex-Husband Urged Her To Take '12 Months Off' Before Dating Again
Amid the divorce process, Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband recently shared a bit of advice on what he thinks his ex-wife should do when it is all over.
"Stay single for a while, take 12 months off," the 50-year-old said of Lopez in an interview with the Daily Mail. "If she meets someone new, maybe keep it private and not get married again."
He also urged her to tone down her alleged love for media attention if she wants her next relationship to walk.
"When you're with someone, you have to spend quality time with them and not think about being on camera," Noa added. "I would just say to Jen: you need to be yourself so you can find yourself."
Jennifer Lopez Is Set To Star In A New Rom-Com Movie
Amid her split from Affleck, Lopez has been tapped to star in a new Netflix romantic comedy titled "Office Romance" alongside "Ted Lasso" actor Brett Goldstein.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, concrete work has not begun on the project, as a director has not yet been attached to it.
Goldstein is reportedly writing the script with Joe Kelly, but the film's plot remains unknown.
Lopez has carved a niche for herself in the romantic comedy space after starring in popular movies such as "The Wedding Planner" and "Maid in Manhattan."
The upcoming film comes after her work in director Brad Peyton's Netflix sci-fi flick "Atlas," opposite Simu Liu and Sterling K. Brown, as well as the 2023 action film "The Mother" for director Niki Caro.
Lopez also recently attended the premiere of her latest movie, "Unstoppable," at the Toronto International Film Festival.