Why J. Lo ‘Felt Threatened’ By Ben Affleck’s Bond with Jennifer Garner

This Component of Jennifer Lopez’s Marriage to Ben Affleck ‘Drove Her Crazy,’ Per Insiders

When Jennifer Lopez said “I do” to Ben Affleck (twice, mind you), she probably wasn’t expecting to share him as much as she did with his ex, Jennifer Garner. Sure, it is understandable that Affleck and Garner stay cordial and in touch as they co-parent their three children, Violet, Fin, and Samuel. But according to insiders, Affleck’s bond with Garner wasn’t solely about the kids — apparently Affleck ran to Garner for advice any time he hit a road bump with Lopez — and trust us, there were quite a few of those in their short-lived marriage.

In case you need a recap, Bennifer 1.0 dominated the tabloids in the early 2000s. From the critically panned Gigli to Lopez’s massive 6.7 karat pink diamond engagement ring, the pair couldn’t be in public without being followed by a mass of paparazzi. By 2004, three years after first getting together, the two had called it quits.

Fast-forward to 2021, and the two rekindled their Y2K-era romance as if nothing had happened. By 2022, they were officially husband and wife, cementing their comeback with not one but two weddings, one of which was held at a controversial venue in Georgia.

But just because there were two weddings (and lots of lovey dovey snaps shared on socials by Lopez) doesn’t mean things were smooth-sailing. Sources allege that Affleck often leaned on Garner for advice — a little too often, according to Lopez. “J.Lo felt threatened by Jen Garner for almost all of her marriage. The way Ben would run to her for advice any time they had a fight drove her crazy,” an insider told OK! Magazine.

While it’s one thing to co-parent, reports suggest that Affleck’s bond with Garner occasionally felt more like a safety net for him than a cordial arrangement. Even Garner’s boyfriend, John Miller, might be taking some issue with how comfortable Affleck seems to be hanging out at Garner’s house post-divorce.

Insiders say Affleck’s comfort with Garner was a wild departure from how he was around his now second ex-wife. “According to an insider, Affleck enjoys “spending time with Jen and their kids” as it is “much more comfortable than trying to do the blended family thing,” the source said. “He’s so at ease with her, there’s no tension, no pressure, he can totally be himself.”

This comfort reportedly spilled into their holiday traditions as well. Thanksgiving 2024 was a family affair with Garner and their kids volunteering at a soup kitchen together. Christmas? More family bonding with Garner front and center. Lopez, notably, played no part in these moments — despite the fact she was reportedly angling hard for a blended family holiday.

Despite this emotional fallout, Lopez is handling it all in the mots J. Lo way possible. Her latest project, Kiss of the Spider Woman, showcased her as a creative powerhouse. “I still have so much more to do,” the multi-hyphenate explained at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival. “ I feel like my best work is in front of me. My biggest projects are in front of me, and my biggest successes. Everything is in the future.”