Jennifer Lopez is reflecting on her divorce from Ben Affleck with a sense of gratitude, saying the split ended up changing her life for the better.
In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, the 56-year-old star opened up about her January 2024 divorce while promoting her upcoming musical drama Kiss of the Spider Woman — a film Affleck helped produce.
“It was tough. It was a really tough time,” Lopez shared, remembering how she juggled filming while going through personal struggles. “It was hard not to think about stuff. It was the best and the worst of times, in a way.”
Despite the heartache, Lopez said the split opened the door to a new beginning. “Honestly, I have to say it was the best thing that ever happened to me,” she admitted. “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 revealed that her first summer after the divorce was one of her happiest. “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 shared. “The hard times are the lessons, and once you understand that, everything becomes a little lighter and you can really, really fly.”
Lopez also gave Affleck credit for helping her land the role of a lifetime. “The movie wouldn’t have been made if it wasn’t for him and Artists Equity,” she said. “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 adapted from the Tony-winning musical and Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel. Lopez stars as screen siren Ingrid Luna, alongside Diego Luna and newcomer Tonatiuh Elizarraraz. The film is set to premiere on Oct. 10.
Lopez filed for divorce in August 2024 after two years of marriage. At the time, sources pointed to Affleck’s “erratic mood swings” as a strain on the relationship. Both have since emphasized their mutual respect, with Affleck in April calling Lopez “enormously important” and praising her bond with his children.
As for Lopez, she says she wouldn’t change a thing. “If that hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t understand the things I understand now,” she reflected. “And for that, I’m grateful.”
