While their divorce is not yet finalised, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were both spotted out and about in LA last week with bare ring fingers, fuelling speculation that it’s definitely over between the pair.
Ben, 51, raised eyebrows with what seemed to be a brand-new look – featuring a shaved mohawk hairstyle, chunky leather jacket and aviator sunglasses.
And according to insiders, J-Lo, 55, isn’t a fan of his new get-up, and sees it as emblematic of his midlife crisis, which she believes played a role in the breakdown of their relationship.
A source tells Closer, “She’s saying this clearly shows that Ben is not in the right headspace and hasn’t been for some time – why else would he toss aside a wonderful marriage and pull all these cruel moves like ignoring their anniversary, her birthday, the commitments and responsibilities they shared together, including their beautiful blended family.
“In her view he looks so lost and kind of pathetic right now. It’s obvious to her that this is a cry for help, but her hands are tied because he’s totally ghosted her. Ben’s not bothered if J-Lo or others want to judge him. He’s excited to have his life back and a fresh start ahead of him.”
Despite fans’ excitement at Bennifer’s reunion in April 2021, their hearts were broken earlier this year when rumours swirled of trouble in paradise between the pair. And when their two-year wedding anniversary rolled around in July, it was radio silence from both of them.
And last month, reports claimed that J-Lo had returned from a solo trip to Europe to find that Ben had moved out of their shared home in LA.
And while the pair are yet to finalise their divorce – the second for Ben following his marriage to Jennifer Garner, with whom he shares three kids, and fourth for J-Lo – sources suggest that the paperwork is merely a formality at this point.
“Ben and J-Lo aren’t talking right now,” they reveal. “She was trying so hard for a while, but at this point she’s got the message loud and clear. There’s the occasional text exchange about the kids now they’re both back in LA, but all business matters are going through their assistants and lawyers. For J-Lo it’s just sickeningly clinical – she still can’t believe Ben’s gone down this route.
“One of her staff sent her the photos of Ben’s new look when they dropped and she was totally flabbergasted and initially felt a little sorry for him. For her, it’s just proof he’s falling apart at the seams and that he’s clearly having major identity issues as well as a midlife crisis.
“He may think he looks cool, but J-Lo is of the opinion it’s desperately lame. She wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he rocks up with more terrible tattoos like the one on his back that she absolutely hates. She’s convinced Ben’s one step away from a total meltdown right now.”