Ben Affleck says he is in no hurry to return to dating after his divorce from Jennifer Lopez, saying his children and career currently leave little room for a new romance.
The 54-year-old actor said relationships are “not a big priority in my life” as he focuses on his work and spending time with his three children, Violet, 20, Fin, 17, and Samuel, 14, whom he shares with his former wife, actress Jennifer Garner.
“I work a lot, and I see my kids, and there’s not a lot of room. I’m not running around,” Affleck told Entertainment Tonight.
His comments came after speculation about his personal life, including a claim by The View co-host Ana Navarro that she had tried to introduce him to singer Shakira.
Affleck dismissed the suggestion, saying he had never heard about the alleged matchmaking attempt.
“I never heard that in my whole life,” he said, adding that he often learns about rumours surrounding his personal life from reporters.
“I often hear rumours, and I think it’s because, how many single [men]… some people gossip. Stuff gets made up,” he said. “I don’t really ever get set up, really.”
“But no, that’s not true,” he added.
Affleck said he is in a good place following the end of his marriage to Lopez. The couple, who married in 2022, finalised their divorce in January 2025.
“I’m good and I’m happy. I know what my priorities are,” he said. “You can’t have two things that are the most important in your life. For me that’s the kids.”
He said his work remains another major focus, while leaving open the possibility of a relationship in the future.
“Who knows what adventures life will bring? I’m open to it, but I’m not trying to chase anything,” Affleck said.
Lopez, 57, has also spoken positively about life after the divorce, describing herself as being in a “happy era” during an interview with ABC’s Nightline broadcast in March.
The singer and actress said she was experiencing a new sense of independence after years of being in relationships.
“I think, for the first time in my life, I feel like I’m free; I’m on my own. And it feels really good,” Lopez said.
She added that she had reached a point where she trusted and appreciated herself more, rather than constantly trying to prove herself.
The former couple’s comments point to separate approaches to life after their high-profile marriage, with Affleck emphasising his children and work while Lopez has highlighted independence and personal growth.
