In a dramatic turn of events, tensions between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have reportedly reached new heights following their recent divorce. The high-profile couple, who rekindled their romance in 2021 after nearly two decades apart, seemed to be living a fairytale life—until the cracks started to show. Now, just months after their shocking divorce announcement, new reports suggest that Lopez has secretly taken their children and left Affleck reeling with anger and frustration.

The divorce itself was already a huge media storm, with fans and the tabloids following every detail of their split. The power couple, once dubbed “Bennifer,” had appeared to be deeply in love, regularly spotted together on red carpets, romantic vacations, and cozy family outings. But behind the scenes, sources say their relationship was fraught with disagreements over everything from their busy careers to parenting styles and Affleck’s personal struggles with addiction.

Now, the latest twist has Ben Affleck lashing out as he grapples with Lopez’s sudden and secretive move. According to insiders, J.Lo took the kids without warning, leaving Affleck blindsided and devastated. The children, whom Lopez shares with her ex-husband Marc Anthony, had become an integral part of Affleck’s life, and their bond only deepened after the couple blended their families following their marriage. Affleck’s own children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner—Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel—had also developed close ties with Lopez and her twins, Max and Emme.

While the exact reasons for Lopez’s decision to leave with the kids remain unclear, some speculate that it may have been a protective move. Affleck’s well-documented struggles with sobriety and his on-and-off battle with addiction have long been a source of tension in their relationship. Sources close to the couple suggest that Lopez, despite her love for Affleck, grew increasingly concerned about the impact his lifestyle could have on her children. In the weeks leading up to the divorce, there were rumors that Affleck had relapsed, and Lopez was reportedly unwilling to risk exposing her children to an unstable environment.

Friends of Affleck, however, tell a different story. They claim that the actor has been committed to his recovery and is doing everything he can to stay sober for the sake of his children. Affleck is said to feel betrayed by Lopez’s decision to take the kids without discussing it with him first. He believes that they could have worked out a co-parenting arrangement that would allow him to remain a part of the children’s lives, even if their marriage was over.

In the aftermath of Lopez’s departure, Affleck has reportedly been struggling with his emotions. His anger and heartbreak over the situation have led to several outbursts, both privately and publicly. Friends say that Affleck feels as though he’s lost not only his wife but also his family—a devastating blow for someone who has worked hard to rebuild his life after past setbacks.

One particularly emotional moment occurred when Affleck was spotted in Los Angeles, visibly upset and yelling on the phone, presumably with Lopez. Eyewitnesses say the actor appeared frustrated and distraught, pacing back and forth outside of his home. Sources close to Affleck claim that he has been trying to reach Lopez to discuss the situation, but she has been avoiding his calls, leaving him feeling isolated and powerless.

For Lopez, the decision to take the kids and leave Affleck may have been about more than just protecting her family—it could also be a way to regain control of her life after a tumultuous period. The singer and actress is known for being fiercely independent and career-driven, and some insiders believe that she felt suffocated by the demands of her relationship with Affleck. Despite their best efforts, it seems that their personalities and lifestyles ultimately clashed in ways that couldn’t be reconciled.

In the weeks since their split, Lopez has thrown herself back into her work, focusing on upcoming projects in both music and film. She has also been spending more time with her children, taking them on trips and making a point of keeping them out of the public eye as much as possible. Some sources suggest that Lopez is determined to protect her children from the media circus surrounding their parents’ divorce, which may have contributed to her decision to keep them away from Affleck for the time being.

However, legal experts are already weighing in on the situation, noting that if Affleck and Lopez had a formal custody arrangement in place, her decision to take the children without his consent could have serious legal ramifications. Depending on the terms of their divorce agreement, Affleck may have the right to challenge Lopez’s actions in court, especially if he feels that his parental rights are being violated.

While it’s unclear whether Affleck plans to take legal action, those close to him say he is considering all of his options. He is said to be deeply hurt by Lopez’s actions but is also determined to remain a presence in the lives of his children. Affleck’s friends describe him as a devoted father who has always put his kids first, and they believe that he will fight to maintain his relationship with Lopez’s twins, even if it means taking the matter to court.

For now, the public can only speculate about the future of Affleck and Lopez’s relationship, both as former partners and as parents. While their love story may have ended in divorce, it’s clear that the emotional fallout is far from over. The question now is whether they can find a way to co-parent amicably, or whether their differences will continue to drive them apart, with their children caught in the middle.

As the drama unfolds, it’s likely that both Affleck and Lopez will face increased scrutiny from the media and the public. For a couple who has spent much of their relationship in the spotlight, the challenge now will be finding a way to navigate the end of their marriage and the complexities of their blended family without causing further harm to themselves or their children. Whether they succeed in doing so remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the story of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez is far from over.