Jennifer Garner Makes a Rare Statement about Her Divorce from Ex-Husband Ben Affleck

The "13 Going on 30" star gave a rare glimpse into a painful chapter in her life and revealed what truly made her high-profile split so difficult to endure.

Jennifer Garner is opening up about one of the most painful times in her life, revealing how she coped with heartbreak while protecting her family from the spotlight.

In a recent Marie Claire interview, the actress reflected on privacy, parenting, and the people who helped her through.

Garner spoke about her 2015 separation from actor Ben Affleck, which ended their ten-year marriage. She said staying private helped her navigate the emotional toll.

"The actual breaking up of a family is what was hard. Losing a true partnership and friendship is what was hard," she said.

She explained that she avoids reading media coverage about herself or her children. "It doesn't serve me to take in gossip about myself or anyone else, much less my kids, so I don't do it," she explained, emphasizing her focus on protecting her family's well-being.

She also acknowledged that media scrutiny brought added challenges. While she noted these were minor compared to global issues, she said it complicated their efforts to maintain privacy.

She credited her close circle for helping her stay grounded. "I make a big, concerted effort to see my people as much as I can, because that's what matters…. That's where your resilience is: it's in your relationships and in the people who carry you through," she shared.

Garner and Affleck officially finalized their divorce in 2018, three years after their separation.

Just days after sharing her reflections on family and resilience, Garner made headlines again, this time for a high-profile public appearance.

Jennifer Garner Makes Elegant Comeback

On January 11, 2026, Jennifer Garner made a stunning entrance at the Golden Globes. It marked her first time attending the event in 13 years.

She wore a show-stopping custom Cong Tri gown, hand-embroidered over 1,300 hours with 330,000 crystal beads. The black column dress shimmered with tiered detail. She paired it with pointed-toe flats and diamond earrings for a polished, understated finish.

Garner also surprised fans with a striking beauty change. She traded her signature middle part for a sleek side part that framed her chestnut locks. Her glowing makeup featured bronzed cheeks, radiant skin, and a soft pink lip. Fans called the look timeless and flawless.

She attended the event as a presenter and joined a star-studded lineup that included Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Queen Latifah. Nominees that evening included Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Timothée Chalamet.

Garner's red carpet return wasn’t the only headline of the night. Another familiar face with ties to Affleck also made a striking appearance.

Ben Affleck's Ex Dazzles in Dramatic Look

Jennifer Lopez also turned heads at the Golden Globes with a bold red carpet look. She wore a sheer, nude-toned gown covered in brown embroidered leaves.

The high-neck, long-sleeved dress hugged her figure and featured carefully placed details that created both drama and elegance.

She finished the look with a sleek updo, drop earrings, and a sparkling bronze clutch. Her makeup featured a bronzed glow, bold eyes, and a nude lip. The overall look struck the perfect balance between glamour and edge.

Affleck Spends the Day With Both Exes

In December 2025, Affleck was reportedly seen attending a performance of "Stereophonic" at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre with Garner and their daughter Seraphina, who brought along a friend for the outing.

Garner kept her look relaxed in a black turtleneck sweater and wide-leg jeans, styled with a belt, wedge boots, and a sleek black handbag. Affleck wore a gray jacket over a pink button-down shirt and slacks, finished with lace-up boots and his signature scruff.

Seraphina wore a knit shark hoodie, black jeans, and Converse sneakers. The teen carried a bright orange water bottle and a brown satchel, and wore thick-framed glasses.

Later that same day, Affleck met up with Lopez for lunch. Their son Samuel, whom he shares with Garner, joined them for the outing. After their meal, the pair was spotted shopping at Sezane and Doen before going their separate ways.

Lopez and Affleck's relationship has continued to draw attention long after their split, with their interactions still making headlines.

As previously reported, Lopez found herself in the hot seat on national television on Monday, October 6, 2025, when a routine promo for her new film took an unexpectedly personal turn, all thanks to a bold line of questioning about her finalized divorce from Ben Affleck.

It all unfolded during her appearance on NBC's "Today" show as she sat down with host Craig Melvin to discuss her passion project, the musical adaptation of "Kiss of the Spider Woman."

However, the feel-good energy took a sharp detour when Melvin veered off script. "In the middle of filming this elaborate, beautiful musical, your divorce is also finalized with Ben..." he began. Caught off guard, Lopez let out an awkward laugh and glanced off-camera before snapping, "There you go. Look at this guy!"

Melvin, clearly rattled, attempted to steer the segment back on track, adding quickly, "But then I hear that your ex is an executive producer on the film..." "Yes," Lopez confirmed curtly. "He is."

A Divorce... and a Dedication

But the tension melted, if only for a moment, as Lopez gave Affleck his due, revealing that despite their split, he had a pivotal role in bringing the film to life.

"If it wasn't for Ben, the movie wouldn't have got made, and I will always give him that credit," she admitted, adding, "Things happen. You have to keep going." In a moment of rare vulnerability, Lopez opened up about the emotional toll the project helped her navigate.

"But it's funny, the movie is about escapism. It's about how movies and art save us in the hardest times of our lives," she said. "And doing this project was such a dream come true for me that it really got me through to kind of survive a moment that was difficult in my personal life as well." When Melvin offered, "It sounds like [the film] may have helped save you," she replied softly, "It did."

Shock Reunion: Lopez and Affleck Reunite on Red Carpet Hours Later

Just hours after that on-air encounter, Lopez and Affleck stunned the public by reuniting on the red carpet, shoulder to shoulder and smiling for the cameras at the star-studded New York premiere of "Kiss of the Spider Woman" at The Shed.

Lopez turned heads in a sheer, floor-length gown embroidered with brown florals and boasting an off-the-shoulder neckline, the look completed with sculptural black corset details that hugged her waist and upper frame.

Affleck, ever the brooding contrast, stood beside her in a dark blue suit, crisp white shirt, and polished black shoes. The former couple exuded nothing but poise and professionalism as they promoted their joint endeavor.

Affleck Speaks Out: 'I Wouldn't Dream of Not Being Here'

Later, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Affleck made it clear just how much Lopez's performance meant to him and how committed he was to supporting her, no matter the status of their relationship.

"I wouldn't dream of not being here," the "Argo" alum expressed. "This is an incredible story. This is the kind of role that Jennifer has wanted to play her whole career. And she's fabulous, and I'm really excited for people to get a chance to see 'Kiss of a Spider Woman.' She is great."

Both Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck served as producers on the film, a bond that, despite personal heartbreak, continues to unite them professionally in the spotlight.