Were J.Lo and Ben Affleck Really Kissing at Brunch?
For months, we have been processing the reality that Bennifer 2.0 is coming to a close. Divorce papers have been filed, single-girl Instagram carousels have been unleashed, and Matt Damon has conducted his exit interview. But it just takes one very expensive brunch to undo it all: On Saturday, “Page Six” reported that Bennifer were seen “holding hands and kissing” while dining at the Beverly Hills Hotel Polo Lounge with their children. Excuse me?
Here’s what we know. On Saturday, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck had brunch with four of their kids: Affleck’s 15-year-old daughter, Seraphina, and his 12-year-old son, Samuel, plus Lopez’s 16-year-old twins, Emme and Max (Violet Affleck didn’t appear to be there, but she’s currently at college).
“Page Six” claimed to have received a real-time report that Ben and Jen were smooching while the kids were “with them, but at a separate table.” No photographic evidence of the alleged kissing was produced, but photos showed the two of them having a tense-looking conversation in the car before heading inside. (J.Lo was wearing her wedding ring on her pinkie and a “Jennifer” ring on her ring finger.) They were walking noticeably close together, though, and in one breathtaking image, Affleck appears to be leaning close to J.Lo, Coke can in hand, whispering something either very angry or very mundane in her ear.
As much as I long for the days of Bennifer swapping spit during meals with their children, it’s worth noting that last time a “Page Six” source claimed to have seen Affleck at the Polo Lounge, they alleged he was hanging out with a Kennedy heir whom his reps denied he had even met. The other tabloids also don’t seem to be buying the idea that Bennifer is suddenly back together. According to People’s source, the brunch was a family affair orchestrated so the (former?) couple’s teenage children could all hang out together, and Bennifer is “still moving forward with the divorce” and “working out financial details amicably.” Apparently, J.Lo is “happy seeing the kids happy together,” and “happy kids are her priority.” That narrative would square with other Bennifer sightings from the past few months, which have mostly revolved around the kids’ birthdays and graduation parties and involved both Ben and Jen looking miserable.
Still, it seems no one can quite agree what happened. After describing both parties as “pretty frigid” and “frustrated to be there,” TMZ walked back its own version of events. Apparently, their sources now claim there was “some PDA,” but that it was “more to show the kids that they’re getting along,” and the divorce is still on track.
One woman who could help us get to the bottom of this is Jennifer Garner. She was reportedly also present over the weekend, picking up Seraphina and Samuel from brunch. Jennifer, blink twice if they’re back together.
This post has been updated.
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