Jennifer Garner Allegedly Played "Mediator" in Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's Split
"A man's ex-wife should never have to play mediator in a divorce from his new wife."
When they reunited in 2021, fans were delighted to see Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's reignited romance. However, just two short years after they wed in Georgia, Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck on their anniversary.
During their relationship, Affleck and Lopez cultivated a blended family, which included five children—Affleck's three kids, Violet, Fin, and Samuel, and Lopez's twins, Emme and Maximilian Muñiz. Even Affleck's ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, spent time with the newlyweds as a blended family. But following Lopez's divorce filing, a new source has claimed that Garner was somewhat of a "mediator" in Lopez and Affleck's marriage.
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, a source revealed, "Jen [Garner] feels slightly used as a pawn in J.Lo's bid to repair her marriage." The source continued, "She doesn't believe it was intentional."
Revealing that Garner took on the unexpected role of "mediator" between her ex-husband and his new wife, the source alleged, "But when Jen realized her ex-husband's marriage was past the point of salvation, her only concern was Ben's well-being and sobriety."
Garner's friends were apparently pretty unhappy with the 13 Going on 30 star putting energy into her ex-husband's new life. "She was put in the middle and her friends think—no matter how you look at it—a man's ex-wife should never have to play mediator in a divorce from his new wife," the source claimed. "Especially when said wife was a big love who Jen was compared to throughout their 13-year marriage. She is happy that Ben is now happy."
Previous reports suggested Garner was an "unexpected ally" to the couple when divorce rumors started to spread. It was also noted that Garner had become friends with Lopez, while co-parenting with the superstar.
Prior to Lopez filing for divorce, it was alleged Garner had "encouraged" Affleck and Lopez to work on their marriage. And, perhaps surprisingly, Lopez was credited with helping Garner and Affleck reach a better place in their own divorce.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Now that divorce proceedings between Lopez and Affleck have officially begun, it's unclear how the blended family will navigate their relationships moving forward.
Amy Mackelden is a contributing editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.
-
These Royals Could Step Up to Help Prince William When He's King "If He Calls on Them"
Three members of the Royal Family are likely to pitch in with duties down the line.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why King Charles "Refuses" to Give Kate Middleton Advice About Becoming Queen
"For much of the same reason, Camilla has not felt compelled to speak with Kate about what it's like to be queen."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
How Prince Harry Honored One Man's Unexpected Request While Helping California Wildfire Victims
The Duke of Sussex reportedly went incognito to find a special item for an elderly man affected by the disaster.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Lopez's "Fairy Tale" Romance With Ben Affleck "Turned Out to Be a Nightmare"
J.Lo is allegedly relieved her divorce has been finalized so she can "close the door on this crazy chapter."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Shares the "Brutally Honest" Advice Her Kids Aren't Afraid to Give Her
"They always have an interesting perspective, because they're from a different generation."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Touched On Experiencing "Challenging Relationships" Amid Her Divorce from Ben Affleck
Lopez hinted at struggles in her personal life (and the strength she's gained from those experiences) during an interview promoting her newest film, 'Unstoppable'.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Spent Christmas Together Because "It's All for the Kids"
“Jen grew up surrounded by her family for the holidays, and she wants the same for her kids," a source explained.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Ben Affleck Is "Healthy, Single, and Enjoying Life" After His Split from Jennifer Lopez
“Ben is spending the holiday with his children," a source said.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Says She Believes "Hardships" Happen "for a Reason" Amid Her Divorce from Ben Affleck
“There are no coincidences," Lopez said. "This is not happening, you know, just randomly."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck "Speak, But It Is Limited" After Divorce Filing, Says Source
They have other priorities.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry's "Despair" at Online Trolls "Trying to Make Trouble" For His Family Is Understandable, Says Royal Expert
"He says he is happy. I believe him."
By Amy Mackelden Published