NEW YORK – Pop culture icon Jennifer Lopez navigated tough questions about her recent divorce from Ben Affleck during an appearance on the Today show, successfully pivoting the focus to her new movie, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and the role of art in personal healing.
Host Craig Melvin attempted to introduce the topic of her divorce, finalized in 2024 only two years after their wedding, but Lopez swiftly interrupted the line of questioning. When Melvin stated, “In the middle of filming this elaborate, beautiful musical, your divorce was also finalized with Ben,” Lopez responded defensively, “There you go! Look at this guy!”
Melvin quickly clarified his intent, explaining his question stemmed from the fact that Affleck is an executive producer on the film.
After a noticeable pause, Lopez acknowledged Affleck’s crucial role in the project. “If it wasn’t for Ben, the movie wouldn’t have gotten made,” she stated. “And I will always give him that credit.” She then quickly added, “And yeah, things happen, you have to keep going.”
Lopez went on to reveal the profound impact the project had on her during a tumultuous time. She shared that the film’s central theme—the power of art to offer refuge—mirrored her personal experience.
“It’s funny, the movie is about escapism. It’s about how movies and art save us in the hardest times of our lives,” she explained.
The actress noted that fulfilling the long-held professional dream of working on the musical provided her with the necessary anchor during the emotionally difficult period of her divorce. “Doing this project was such a dream come true for me that it really got me through to kind of survive a moment that was difficult in my personal life as well.”
She confirmed that she took time off after filming but is now ready to share the project, describing it as “a beautiful film about love.” When Melvin commented that the film “sounds like it might have helped saved you,” Lopez agreed, “It did, it did!”
