Ben Affleck opens up about his dating life and priorities

Ben Affleck has opened up about his current love life, making it clear that dating is not one of his main priorities at the moment.

The 54-year-old actor and director recently spoke about his personal life while attending the Los Angeles premiere of his latest film, Animals. During the event, Affleck explained that his busy career and role as a father leave little time for romance.

Affleck said that dating is “not a big priority” in his life right now. He explained that most of his time is focused on his work and his three children.

I work a lot and I see my kids,” the actor said, adding that there is not much room for anything else outside those responsibilities. He also made it clear that he is not actively looking for a relationship or spending his time trying to meet someone.

Ben Affleck responds to Shakira matchmaking claim

Affleck also reacted to recent comments made by The View co-host Ana Navarro, who claimed that she had tried to set him up with singer Shakira after his split from Jennifer Lopez.

Navarro previously suggested that she had attempted to play matchmaker for the actor, even though she admitted that she had never actually met him.

When Affleck was asked about the claim, he appeared surprised and said that he had never heard about it before.

“I hear stuff like that honestly first from people like you,” Affleck said while speaking to a reporter. He then added that he had never heard the story in his life.

The actor explained that he often comes across rumours about his personal life. According to Affleck, speculation is common because people tend to gossip, especially when celebrities are single.

He also said that stories about potential relationships can sometimes be created without any truth behind them. Affleck added that he does not usually get set up by other people.

Family remains Affleck’s biggest priority

While discussing his current life, Affleck said that he is in a good place and feels happy with where he is.

The actor explained that he knows what matters most to him and that his children come before everything else.

“I know what my priorities are,” Affleck said, explaining that a person cannot have two things that are both the most important part of their life.

For Affleck, his children are his number one priority. He shares three children with his former wife Jennifer Garner: Violet, Seraphina and Samuel.

Along with spending time with his children, Affleck remains focused on his acting and filmmaking career. He said that he loves his work and is comfortable with the life he is living at the moment.

Although romance is not something he is actively pursuing, Affleck has not completely closed the door on future relationships. He said he is open to whatever adventures life may bring but is not trying to chase anything.

Ben Affleck’s relationship history

Affleck’s most recent marriage was to Jennifer Lopez. The couple rekindled their relationship years after first calling off their engagement and eventually married in 2022.

Their marriage later came to an end, with their divorce officially finalized in January 2025 after two years of marriage.

Before Lopez, Affleck was married to actress Jennifer Garner. The pair tied the knot in 2005 and finalized their divorce in 2018.

Despite the end of their marriage, Affleck and Garner continue to share parental responsibilities for their three children.

For now, Affleck appears focused on his family, career and personal life rather than actively searching for romance. While he remains open to what the future may bring, the actor is comfortable letting relationships happen naturally rather than making dating a major goal.