- Ben Affleck’s relationships have always been a topic of public interest, but lately, fans have been particularly vocal about one in particular.
- As news of his split from Jennifer Lopez continues to make the rounds, many are reminiscing about his past romance with another actress.
- Social media is buzzing with opinions, with users claiming that the actress and producer was Affleck’s “true love,” and wondering why he ever let her go.
Jennifer Lopez recently filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, putting the dynamics of their relationship in the spotlight once again. Since the news broke, fans have started revisiting his previous relationship with another actress and producer. Many argue that Affleck was happier and more compatible with his former love.
Ben Affleck spotted with his ex on July 1, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Social media is alive with opinions, and the debate over who was the better match for Affleck is growing. As we explore the reasons behind these sentiments, the contrasts between his time with his former love and Lopez will come into focus.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck seen on September 26, 2021 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Users’ Opinions on Ben Affleck’s Previous Relationship
With Lopez recently filing for divorce on their second wedding anniversary, it seems the relationship many fans had questioned from the start has come to an end. Many initially expressed their views on who they believe is the better match for the actor when he and JLo rekindled their relationship.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck watch a game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox on October 11, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
The general consensus? Many think Affleck’s previous relationship with Ana de Armas was far more suited to him, with some even dubbing her his “true love.”
One user on X didn’t mince words, stating, “It’s Jennifer Lopez lmao, we saw it coming + we are tired. Ben, go back to Ana de Armas and never look back.”
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck take a stroll on July 24, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Another echoed this sentiment, adding, “Always think the same; Jennifer Lopez Karma is that she use every relationship to try to get over the past man she had. Now her karma is that Ben is using her to try to get over Ana De Armas, his real one true love is her, not JLO. [sic]”
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are seen on April 26, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
These comments reflect a widespread belief that de Armas brought out a happier, more genuine side of Affleck, something fans felt was missing in his relationship with Lopez.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are seen on July 25, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
One X user commented, “Ben has become the saddest, most pathetic person in Hollywood since he married JLo. Ana de Armas was better for him.”
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are seen on November 25, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
The comparisons didn’t stop there. “How could Ben Affleck change Ana de Armas for Jennifer Lopez?” one user questioned, while another speculated, “Ana de Armas left him…. JLo most likely was his rebound girl… he realized that he’s still in love with Ana…”
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are seen on July 26, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Others were more direct in their admiration for de Armas, with one stating, “Well, there only was one choice[.] Ana de Armas is better than JLo any day.” Another commented back in June, “Dude left Ana de Armas, of all the gorgeous women in the world, to go back to jlo hahahaahahah biggest fumble [sic].”
The flood of opinions shows how strongly fans feel about Affleck’s past with de Armas. They feel he was happier with her than he ever was with Lopez.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are seen on September 4, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
A Facebook post featuring a photo collage of Affleck’s exes was also shared online, sparking discussion among fans. The collage began with Garner, followed by de Armas, and ended with Lopez.
The post was captioned, “So GORGEOUS! 😍😍😍 Can’t even FIGURE OUT who among Ben Affleck’s EXES is MORE BEAUTIFUL.🤔”
AmoMama readers quickly chimed in with their opinions. One reader excitedly wrote, “Number 2 but I think he should be with number 1, Jennifer Garner.” Another chimed in, saying, “Number two stands out from the picture!”
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner attend the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter in West Hollywood, California, on March 2, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
A third reader questioned, “How dare you put Ana in 2nd place?” Someone else shared, “Ana is more beautiful, Garner is a beautiful human being, and JL is also beautiful.” Another simply added, “2 in my opinion.”
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are seen on March 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Image
The lively debate among AmoMama readers underscores the strong opinions surrounding Affleck’s past relationships. As some fans favored de Armas in the beauty stakes, it’s clear she made quite an impression during her time with Affleck.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are seen in Los Angeles, California, on December 11, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
The Ben-Ana Relationship
Affleck and de Armas reportedly first crossed paths on the set of the psychological thriller “Deep Water,” directed by Adrian Lyne. Their on-screen chemistry as a couple quickly spilled over into real life, and the two stars were frequently seen together after filming wrapped.
Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas are seen on June 30, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas are seen taking a walk on July 1, 2020 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
What started as a professional relationship soon blossomed into a romance that captivated fans and media alike. Despite the strong connection between Affleck and de Armas, their relationship ended in January 2021 after nearly a year together.
Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas kiss during a break in filming on the “Deep Water” set on November 19, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
According to sources close to the couple, Ana de Armas ended things, citing differences in their lifestyles as the primary reason. “Ana doesn’t want to be Los Angeles-based, and Ben obviously has to since his kids live in Los Angeles,” one source explained.
Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas are seen on April 12, 2020 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas are seen on April 1, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Another added that the split was mutual and amicable, with both stars respecting each other’s choices. Affleck, juggling multiple projects and his responsibilities as a father, was reportedly focused on working on himself, while de Armas wanted to move on with her life in a different direction.
Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas are seen on August 13, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas are seen on April 1, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Why Fans Believe Ana de Armas Was the ‘Better’ Choice
De Armas, born on April 30, 1988, in Havana, Cuba, is a talented actress and producer who quickly made a name for herself in Hollywood. She gained widespread recognition for her breakout role as a kindhearted caretaker in the 2019 film “Knives Out,” which showcased her acting range and charisma.
Her journey to stardom in the U.S. is particularly impressive, given that she arrived in Hollywood without knowing English. Despite the language barrier, the actress, who starred alongside Daniel Craig’s James Bond in “No Time to Die,” was determined to succeed.
She famously learned English by watching the popular sitcom “Friends,” a method that helped her not only master the language but also adapt to the cultural nuances of her new environment.
The Cuban beauty’s dedication and perseverance paid off, earning her roles in high-profile films and making her one of Hollywood’s rising stars. While her career was on the rise, de Armas was thrust into the spotlight for reasons beyond her work—her highly publicized relationship with Affleck.
Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas are seen on July 1, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
The intense media attention surrounding their romance was overwhelming for the actress, who has always preferred to keep her personal life private. In a candid interview, she described the experience as “horrible.”
In a separate conversation, she admitted that the constant scrutiny made her feel “disrespected” and “unsafe.” This unwanted attention played a significant role in her decision to leave Los Angeles.
“That’s one of the reasons why I left L.A.,” she explained, highlighting her discomfort with the invasive nature of the media. De Armas, who never sought fame outside of her professional achievements, found the focus on her personal life particularly upsetting.
Eventually, she relocated to New York City, seeking a place where she could focus on her work without the relentless intrusion of paparazzi and gossip columns. For some fans, de Armas’ decision to leave L.A. and her rejection of the Hollywood spotlight only made her more admirable.
They saw her as a grounded and authentic individual. Fans believe these qualities made her a better match for Affleck compared to the more media-savvy and attention-grabbing Lopez.
Affleck’s Shift Back to JLo
After his split from de Armas in January 2021, Affleck didn’t stay single for long. Rumors of a rekindled romance with Lopez began to surface just a few months later, in April 2021.
Lopez, who had then ended her engagement to Alex Rodriguez, was spotted spending time with Affleck in Los Angeles. The sightings fueled speculation that the two were rekindling their relationship nearly two decades after their first high-profile romance.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the “Daredevil” premiere in Los Angeles on February 9, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Affleck was seen multiple times arriving at Lopez’s California home, often picked up in a white Escalade SUV believed to belong to Lopez. A source reported that “security picks him up at a nearby location and drops him off after spending a few hours at her house.”
This quick shift from his relationship with de Armas to reconnecting with Lopez raised questions about whether Affleck had truly moved on from de Armas or if Lopez was, in fact, a rebound.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are seen at “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on December 15, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
During a 2020 interview, before his breakup with de Armas, Affleck had spoken highly of Lopez, praising her for her achievements and maintaining a connection with her over the years.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are seen on December 4, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
This led some to wonder whether his lingering feelings for Lopez played a role in his split from de Armas. The rekindling of Bennifer, as fans fondly called the couple, left many wondering about the timing and the reasons behind Affleck’s quick transition from one relationship to another.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck in New York City on September 26, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
However, the debate over who was truly better for Ben Affleck — Ana de Armas or Jennifer Lopez — continues to rage on social media and beyond.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are seen on March 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
While public perceptions can often differ from private realities, it’s evident that many fans hold de Armas in high regard as the one who made Affleck the happiest.
