Jennifer Lopez is reportedly furious about the recent dating rumors involving her estranged husband, Ben Affleck, and Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy. As their divorce continues, these rumors have only intensified the tension between the former couple, according to an exclusive source speaking to In Touch Weekly.
“The word is Ben and Kick have been spending time together and getting to know each other,” the insider revealed. “Ben’s telling people it’s none of their business. He’s not going to explain whom he’s friends with, and the sooner he and J. Lo can wrap up this divorce and move on with each of their lives, the better.” However, the source added that Jennifer Lopez is far from convinced. “J. Lo figures there’s no smoke without fire. She’s livid at the thought that he’s been chasing tail at the same time she was fighting tooth and nail to save the marriage, and there’s no way she’s willing to let this go.”
Rumors about Affleck’s relationship with Kick, the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., began circulating on August 24 when Page Six reported that the 52-year-old actor had been seen spending time with the 36-year-old Kennedy. The pair were allegedly spotted together at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel and other popular Hollywood venues. However, a source told TMZ on August 26 that Affleck and Kick are just friends, noting that while Kick “thinks highly of Ben,” there’s nothing romantic between them.
Despite these denials, In Touch’s source pointed out the potential for speculation. “The fact is, Kick is young and gorgeous and just his type. It’s no wonder everyone’s assuming something is going on, even if Ben’s trying to downplay it.”
Adding to the confusion, a representative for Ben Affleck confirmed to In Touch that the dating rumors are “not true.” Regardless of the current situation, the source suggested that Affleck isn’t planning to remain single for long. “He’s ready to enjoy his life again,” they said. “He and J. Lo have been separated for nearly six months. He’s not going to live like a monk forever.”
As for Lopez, the source indicated that she’s struggling with the idea of Affleck moving on, especially with someone nearly 20 years younger. “J. Lo is nowhere near ready to make this easy on him. She’s devastated, and the news that Ben’s dating a woman nearly 20 years younger than her, whether he admits it or not, is only making her more upset.”
The insider also noted a striking resemblance between Kick Kennedy and Ben’s ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, adding another layer of hurt for Lopez. “It’s hard to ignore that Kick looks a whole lot like a younger version of Jennifer Garner, which is another knife in the heart, considering all their history.”
According to the source, Lopez’s emotions have shifted from sadness to anger. “She’s reached the anger stage, and all this talk about Kick is just fueling her rage. J. Lo’s friends are all telling her the best revenge would be to start dating someone younger and hotter than Ben. Clearly, Ben’s ready to move on, so she should do the same, even if it’s the last thing she wants to do right now.”
The rumors emerged just four days after Lopez, 55, officially filed for divorce on August 20, two years after their lavish second wedding at Affleck’s estate in Georgia. The filing, which marked the couple’s second anniversary, indicated that their separation date was April 26, 2024. Notably, Lopez filed the paperwork without an attorney and did not mention a prenuptial agreement.
Their split was confirmed months after In Touch exclusively reported on May 15 that the couple was “headed for a divorce,” citing irreconcilable differences and a failed attempt to control each other’s lives.