Getty Image
If a new report is any indication, Ben Affleck had good reason for buying his new $20 million mega-mansion away from soon-to-be ex-wife Jennifer Lopez.
Affleck recently purchased a five-bedroom, six-bathroom villa in Pacific Palisades from news magnate and billionaire Rupert Murdoch.
But it wasn’t just about getting away from JLo, with whom he already shares a $60 million house that is currently on the market just one year after the couple purchased it.
Anthony Dominic of ET reports that Affleck is loving his new home, in part because it moves him closer to the three children he shares with actress Jennifer Garner – Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15 and Samuel, 12.
“Ben really likes his new home and feels hopeful about the change. He wanted to move and be closer to Jen Garner and their kids to make co-parenting easier. It’s been a hard time for him, but He’s continuing to make his wellbeing and his family a priority,” a source told Dominic.
The same source stated that Lopez “always loves getting to spend time on the East Coast, especially during the summer, and it’s been nice for her to be surrounded by friends and family who love her.”
Obviously, that’s a far cry from the West Coast, where Affleck’s new property is.
“It has been a hard year with some unexpected realizations, changes, and obstacles, but Jen is trying to view her 55th birthday as a fresh start,” the source added. “She is trying not to let her situation with Ben bring her down.”
On top of the marital drama, Lopez is having a tough time with her career these days as well. Ticket sales to her “This Is Me… Live” tour flopped, leading to the eventual cancellation of the tour altogether.
Affleck, meanwhile, is maintaining a working relationship with JLo as the pair work together on her upcoming film, Unstoppable.