Jennifer Lopez ‘spent a lot of time’ navigating Ben Affleck’s ‘dark side’: report

Jennifer Lopez was all in when it came to her second act with Ben Affleck.

New reports have surfaced amid the exes’ divorce about how hard the 55-year-old singer allegedly tried to make things work the second time around.

A source told People that Lopez “did spend a lot of time making sure Ben was happy and had everything he needed.”

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck at the “Air” premiere in 2023.WireImage

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are seen on March 29, 2024 in New York City.GC Images
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“The way she cared for him was almost childlike,” the insider added. “Friends constantly reminded her that she’s not responsible for his feelings. He’s very moody and dark at times. Jennifer appreciates life in another way. She’s very grateful for everything.”

The insider also claimed that Affleck, 52, had “erratic mood swings,” which contributed to their split.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck share a kiss at “This is Me … Now: A Love Story” premiere in February 2024.AFP via Getty Images

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“The truth is there was a great deal of love but also unfortunately what became clear were Ben’s erratic mood swings that he couldn’t hide from the press, as much as he tried to,” the source confessed. “You could see the erratic behavior, the giant mood swings.”

The insider added that the “Air” director would go from “being incredibly happy and warm — the best light that emanated from him” to “the deepest, darkest behavior.”

“I think he was signaling a message to the press,” they admitted.

“But when the mood swings and the big highs and big lows informed a toxicity that was pervasive, no one can help you — you have to help yourself,” the source continued.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at “The Last Duel” premiere in 2021.Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are seen on March 30, 2024 in New York City.GC Images
“But I would not be so bold to say there isn’t love — of course there is,” concluded the insider. “The world was rooting for them, but who he said he was and who he turned out to be were two different people.”

The reports ​​come a week after Lopez filed for divorce without an attorney on the anniversary of their second wedding ceremony. The artist listed April 26 as the date of separation.

The pair allegedly did not sign a prenuptial agreement. Lopez did not request spousal support and asked the judge to deny Affleck support.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez take a wedding selfie.Instagram
Lopez and Affleck tied the knot in July 2022 at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas before saying “I do” for a second time at Affleck’s estate in Riceboro, Georgia, the following month.

However, fans will remember that this is the second go around for the former couple, who first tried to make a romance work in the early aughts.

Affleck and Lopez started dating in 2002 and announced their breakup in 2004. Both celebs married and had kids with other people but ultimately rekindled their flame in 2021.

Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck and his son Samuel at the Warriors game in March 2024.Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck seen during the 65th Grammy Awards on February 05, 2023.Getty Images for The Recording Academy
After calling off their first engagement, Lopez confessed she felt like she “was going to die” and went into an 18-year “spiral.”

But their latest engagement was supposed to be different, with Affleck even engraving a special meaning into her engagement ring, which is estimated to be worth “well over $5 million.”

“This one he put ‘not.going.anywhere’ because that’s how he would sign his emails when we started talking again,” the “Atlas” actress told Apple Music One’s Zane Lowe in 2022 about her second engagement. “Like, ‘Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.’”

The sparkler features an 8.5-carat radiant-cut green diamond set on a platinum band. Two half-moon accent diamonds sit on either side of the green gem.

“It was nothing fancy at all, but it was the most romantic thing I could’ve ever imagined … just a quiet Saturday night at home, two people promising to always be there for each other,” Lopez recounted about the proposal in her 2022 newsletter. “Green has always been my lucky color and now, for sure, it always will be.”