Ben Affleck Is Seemingly Working Hard to Avoid Jennifer Lopez at This Major Event

Speculation about Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s split had been swirling for almost as long as they’ve been married, but things got real on August 20 when Lopez officially filed for divorce. For Affleck, the decision seemed like a healthy one, with sources noting he felt “lighter and definitely less stressed” without some of the reported stressors that came along with Bennifer 2.0.

It seems like Lopez is eager to move on as quickly as possible too, legally dropping Affleck’s last name a couple days after filing for divorce. Yet, some connections aren’t so easily undone, like their film Unstoppable, which is gearing up for its premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 6.

Affleck, alongside his longtime creative partner, Matt Damon, serves as a producer for the sports drama, while Lopez plays a crucial role as the mother of Anthony Robles, the wrestler born with one leg who defied all odds. And while for a second it seemed like Lopez and Affleck would also have to defy all odds and at least act civil together at the premiere. However, People reports that Affleck plans to skip the event entirely to avoid his ex, who will be walking the red carpet with Damon, along with the film’s stars Jharrel Jerome, Don Cheadle, Bobby Cannavale, and Michael Peña.

The divorce, which Lopez filed for on the second anniversary of their Georgia wedding, certainly sent a strong message. Her timing wasn’t lost on fans of the iconic couple, especially since split rumors had been hovering over them throughout the summer, with whispers of their doomed romance starting as early as their honeymoon back in 2022.

“Ben hasn’t shown any commitment and interest in making their marriage work,” an insider previously noted.

Despite Lopez spending her summer in the Hamptons, Affleck remained on the West Coast, clearing out of their Beverly Hills mansion and moving into his own bachelor pad. Sources reported that Lopez “just needs to look out for herself,” having finally accepted that reconciliation was unlikely.

Affleck may dodge the spotlight — and Lopez — in Toronto, but avoiding future encounters could be tricky with their joint project, Kiss of the Spider Woman, still in pre-production. While the two reportetdly have a special family “connection” amid their divorce, it looks like Affleck is trying to avoid some ties if possible.

Before you go, click here to see the longest celebrity divorces that took years to get finalized.