‘Never heard that in my life’: Ben Affleck reacts to Shakira setup story

Ben Affleck has dismissed reports that attempts were made to set him up with Colombian singer Shakira following his divorce from Jennifer Lopez, saying he had never even heard about the supposed matchmaking effort until he was asked about it by the media.

The 54-year-old actor-director also offered a rare glimpse into his personal life, saying dating was currently “not a big priority” as he remained focused on his children and work.

Shakira rumour dismissed

Affleck was responding to recent comments by The View co-host Ana Navarro, who said she had once tried to set him up with Shakira.

Navarro had recounted attending a Shakira concert in Miami where Affleck’s longtime friend Matt Damon was present with his wife and children. She said she saw an opportunity to float the idea of bringing Affleck and Shakira together, even though she had never personally met Affleck.

Asked about Navarro’s comments while attending the Los Angeles premiere of his film Animals, Affleck appeared surprised by the story.

“I hear s*** like that honestly first from people like you,” he told the interviewer, adding that he had “never heard that” before.

Affleck said gossip surrounding his personal life was common and that stories were sometimes simply made up.

Dating not a priority

The actor also made it clear that finding a new relationship was not occupying much of his attention.

Affleck said he worked extensively and spent time with his children, leaving relatively little room for dating. “I’m not running around,” he said while explaining his current priorities.

He added that he was content with his life and was not actively searching for a relationship, though he did not rule out the possibility of dating in the future.

Affleck shares three children — Violet, Finn and Samuel — with his former wife Jennifer Garner.

After Jennifer Lopez split

Affleck’s comments come after the end of his marriage to Jennifer Lopez. The two rekindled their romance nearly two decades after ending their first engagement and married in 2022.

Their relationship subsequently ended, with Lopez filing for divorce in August 2024. The divorce was finalised in 2025.

Since the split, Affleck has largely kept his romantic life private and has not publicly confirmed a new relationship.

The actor’s personal life has nevertheless continued to generate considerable speculation, something he acknowledged while responding to the latest Shakira story.

How the story began

The matchmaking claim originated with Navarro during a discussion on The View. She said she had tried to use Damon, one of Affleck’s closest friends, as a possible link between Affleck and Shakira.

Navarro’s comments were light-hearted rather than an indication that Affleck and Shakira had actually dated or pursued a relationship.

Affleck’s response has now clarified that he was apparently unaware of the attempted setup itself, much less involved in any resulting romance.

Shakira has also had a high-profile separation in recent years, ending her long-term relationship with former footballer Gerard Piqué in 2022. The two share sons Milan and Sasha.

Focus on work

Affleck is currently promoting Animals, a crime thriller that he directed and stars in. The project marks another addition to his extensive work both in front of and behind the camera.

His comments at the film’s Los Angeles premiere suggested that professional commitments and family life remain his immediate priorities.

For now, Affleck has firmly played down the Shakira speculation, describing dating as secondary to his children and career and making clear that the widely discussed matchmaking attempt never reached him.