Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were spotted together for the first time in public since Lopez filed for divorce last month. The couple, who have been facing split rumors for months, took time to enjoy a family lunch in Beverly Hills on Saturday, September 14. They were joined by their children—Affleck’s two kids, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12, along with Lopez’s 16-year-old twins, Max and Emme.
The sighting has caused quite a buzz, considering their pending divorce and the fact that they appeared publicly together. For the outing, Affleck, 52, kept it casual in a blue shirt and jeans, while Lopez, 55, rocked a chic look, donning a black cropped turtleneck, flared jeans, and heels. The family was photographed walking into a swanky Beverly Hills hotel, shoulder to shoulder, while the kids hurried ahead.
Though this may have appeared like just another celebrity family lunch, onlookers couldn’t help but notice the connection between Affleck and Lopez. An insider revealed to Page Six that the two were seen “holding hands and kissing” while seated at a separate table from their children, despite the ongoing divorce.
Jennifer Garner, Affleck’s ex-wife, was also spotted at the hotel later that day. She arrived to pick up Seraphina and Samuel after their brunch.
This is the first time Ben and Jennifer have been seen out together since she officially filed for divorce on August 20. The split comes after two years of marriage, and while neither party has publicly addressed the reasons behind their separation, rumors of trouble in paradise have swirled for months. Many are now wondering about the status of their divorce following their recent reunion.
A source close to the couple has shared some insight into their situation, clarifying that despite the lunch, the divorce is still moving forward. The source told People that the couple is “working out financial details amicably” and that both are committed to ensuring a smooth and respectful separation. “They are still moving forward with the divorce,” the insider explained.
As for the reason behind their recent get-together, the insider shared, “They all came together for a fun lunch so the kids could hang out.” It seems that, despite the personal struggles between Affleck and Lopez, the two remain focused on keeping things as normal and positive as possible for their children.
Lopez, in particular, appears to be prioritizing her children’s happiness during this transitional time. According to the source, “A divorce is never easy, but Jennifer doesn’t want to be selfish about it.” They continued, “The kids always got along and have fun together. It makes her happy seeing the kids happy together. Happy kids are her priority.”
Affleck and Lopez’s relationship has been a rollercoaster since rekindling their romance in 2021, after being famously engaged back in the early 2000s before breaking up. Their reunion two decades later was one of the most talked-about comebacks in Hollywood, with fans thrilled to see “Bennifer” back together. However, their whirlwind romance, which led to a wedding, has now taken a different turn. While the divorce news saddened many, this recent lunch might offer a glimpse into their new chapter as co-parents.
