Jennifer Lopez Awkwardly Reacts to a Question About Ben Affleck Hours Before Their Red-Carpet Meeting
Jennifer Lopez, 56, found herself in the hot seat on national television Monday, October 6, 2025, when a routine promo for her new film took an unexpectedly personal turn — all thanks to a bold line of questioning about her recently finalized divorce from Ben Affleck.
It all unfolded during her appearance on NBC's "Today" show as she sat down with host Craig Melvin to discuss her passion project, the musical adaptation of "Kiss of the Spider Woman."
Craig Melvin interviews Jennifer Lopez in a recent episode of his show, dated October 6, 2025 | Source: YouTube/TODAY
But the feel-good energy took a sharp detour when Melvin veered off-script. "In the middle of filming this elaborate, beautiful musical, your divorce is also finalized with Ben..." he began. Caught off guard, Lopez let out an awkward laugh and glanced off-camera before snapping, "There you go. Look at this guy!"
Melvin, clearly rattled, attempted to steer the segment back on track, adding quickly, "But then I hear that your ex is an executive producer on the film..." "Yes," Lopez confirmed curtly. "He is."
But the tension melted — if only for a moment — as Lopez gave Affleck his due, revealing that despite their split, he had a pivotal role in bringing the film to life.
Jennifer Lopez is pictured laughing during her interview with host Melvin Craig, dated October 6, 2026 | Source: YouTube/TODAY
"If it wasn't for Ben, the movie wouldn't have got made, and I will always give him that credit," she admitted, adding, "Things happen. You have to keep going." In a moment of rare vulnerability, Lopez opened up about the emotional toll the project helped her navigate.
"But 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 said. "And 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." When Melvin offered, "It sounds like [the film] may have helped save you," she replied softly, "It did."
Just hours after that cringe-worthy on-air encounter, Lopez and Affleck stunned the public by reuniting on the red carpet — shoulder to shoulder and smiling for the cameras at the star-studded New York premiere of "Kiss of the Spider Woman" at The Shed.
Ben Affleck, Tonatiuh, Jennifer Lopez, and Emily Orozco at the "Kiss of the Spider Woman" New York Screening held at The Shed on October 6, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
J.Lo turned heads in a sheer, floor-length gown embroidered with brown florals and boasting a plunging neckline, the look completed with sculptural black details that hugged her waist and upper frame.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck attend the screening of "Kiss of the Spider Woman" in New York on October 6, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Affleck, ever the brooding contrast, stood beside her in a dark blue suit, crisp white shirt, and polished black shoes — the former couple exuding nothing but poise and professionalism as they promoted their joint endeavor.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck smiling at the screening of "Kiss of the Spider Woman" in New York on October 6, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Later, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Affleck made it clear just how much Lopez's performance meant to him — and how committed he was to supporting her, no matter the status of their relationship.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are spotted at the screening of "Kiss of the Spider Woman" in New York on October 6, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
"I wouldn't dream of not being here," the "Argo" alum expressed. "This is an incredible story. This is the kind of role that Jennifer has wanted to play her whole career. And she's fabulous, and I'm really excited for people to get a chance to see 'Kiss of a Spider Woman.' She is great."
Both Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck served as producers on the film — a bond that, despite personal heartbreak, continues to unite them professionally in the spotlight.