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Jennifer Lopez officially filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, solidifying the end of the second Bennifer era. Lopez and Affleck got back together in 2021 after 20 years apart, and they tied the knot in 2022. Unfortunately, their marriage went south in 2024. Now, Affleck is dealing with the loss by spending a night out with Matt Damon and his wife.

Ben Affleck went to dinner with Matt Damon amid his divorce from Jennifer Lopez

Ben Affleck is no stranger to divorce and heartbreak. He and Jennifer Lopez initially called off their engagement in 2004, and he married Jennifer Garner in 2005. They stayed married for 10 years before separating. Garner and Affleck officially divorced in 2018 but remain friends in 2024.

Now, in 2024, Affleck and Lopez are divorcing after two years of marriage. While fans were hopeful they’d stay together after rekindling their flame, all hope is lost. TMZ posted photos of Affleck grabbing takeout several times after Lopez filed for divorce on Aug. 20, 2024.

However, Affleck isn’t spending all of his time alone. Additional photos show him meeting up with his best friend, Matt Damon, and Damon’s wife, Luciana Barroso, for dinner on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. Damon’s kids also joined the meal at Toscana in LA.

Affleck didn’t dress up for the occasion, opting for jeans, sneakers, and a button-down to cover a white T-shirt.

TMZ notes that Affleck looks just fine as he heads into the restaurant. An additional source told People that Affleck is “doing well and is very focused” as the divorce from Lopez proceeds.

“He thrives when he has work projects,” the source added. “He’s been great when it comes to the kids too. He’s doing exactly what he wants. He seems very happy.”

Matt Damon allegedly told his friend to stay close to Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck looking concerned while standing next to each other in Los Angeles 2015
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck in 2015 | Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
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Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have one of Hollywood’s closest and longest-running friendships. The actors were childhood friends who grew up together, and they work alongside each other with their production company.

An insider recently alleged that Damon wants Affleck to stay close to Affleck’s ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, while he divorces Jennifer Lopez. Damon also wants to keep Affleck “out of trouble” as he navigates this difficult life transition.

“The last thing anyone wants is for Ben to turn to alcohol again,” the insider noted. “Matt has straight out told him that relapse is not an option.”

As for Garner, “she’s always been a calming influence on Ben,” the source told In Touch Weekly. “Which is why Matt’s pushing Ben to stay super close to her and their three kids. He’s also agreed to co-star with Ben in a new crime thriller called RIP. Anything to keep him from having idle time on his hands.”

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez agreed that Lopez would file the divorce papers, a source said

Ben Affleck appeared in high spirits while out with his best friend, Matt Damon. According to an insider, Affleck and Jennifer Lopez had already gone through “all the details” of the divorce before Lopez filed it.

“J.Lo finally pulled the trigger because that was their agreement that she would file, and she was the one who ultimately made the decision,” the source told Us Weekly.

Another source told The Sun that, despite reports to the contrary, Affleck “enjoys” the spotlight his relationship with Lopez puts him in.

“One thing’s for sure, they enjoyed the speculation,” the source said. “People assume Ben hates the spotlight, but he arguably enjoys it even more than she does. He’s reveled being back in the spotlight; he loves how people are so obsessed with their relationship and the whole ‘Bennifer’ tag. It keeps him super relevant.”

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