Talk about a small world!
The judge presiding over Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s divorce has ties to her soon-to-be ex-husband and her former fiancé, Alex Rodriguez.
Judge Bradley S. Phillips has been assigned to Bennifer’s high-profile divorce case, and here’s where it could get complicated. Phillips’ son-in-law, Strand Conover, is Affleck and A-Rod’s agent.
Conover is a partner and agent at WME, the bigwig talent agency with the Oscar-winning actor and retired Yankee on its roster. But that’s not all.
He’s also on the team representing Affleck. Despite the eyebrow-raising connection and Judge Phillips’ acknowledgment that his son-in-law knows J.Lo too, he insists it’s not a conflict of interest in their divorce per new court documents obtained by TMZ.
Not only does Conover know Lopez through Affleck, but he also met her when she was dating and later engaged to A-Rod.
Judge Phillips disclosed that his son-in-law is the ex-ball player’s brand-partnership agent at WME, adding Conover also met Lopez through business dealings with A-Rod.
While his family member has connections to Affleck and Rodriguez, he does not represent the “Let’s Get Loud” singer.
Despite the bizarre link, Judge Phillips insisted his son-in-law’s relationship with the “Argo” director isn’t an issue. In the paperwork, he vowed he could be fair and impartial regarding Bennifer’s divorce.
Remember, while Lopez did not disclose if they signed a prenuptial agreement before saying, “I do,” insiders claimed they didn’t. Without a prenup, all their earnings, profits, and assets they made during their union could be considered community property, and Lopez, 55, and Affleck, 52, were busy since becoming newlyweds.
The judge also revealed that he hadn’t discussed the case or any news about Lopez and Affleck’s split with his son-in-law and promised not to disclose any details about the ongoing divorce.
To Judge Phillips, his son-in-law’s connection to Affleck, Lopez and her ex-fiancé is a non-issue.
The “Hustlers” actress filed for divorce from Affleck on Tuesday, August 20 — the anniversary of their second wedding ceremony because she reportedly wanted it to “sting.”
Revealing the reason for the split, the singer cited irreconcilable differences. She listed their date of separation as April 26, 2024, meaning they were no longer a couple even before the breakup rumors began circulating in May.
Sources told People that the “Good Will Hunting” star’s “erratic mood swings” and “toxicity” were a point of contention in their relationship.
One insider shared that Lopez spent “a lot of time making sure Ben was happy and had everything he needed.”
“The way she cared for him was almost childlike,” the source added. “Friends constantly reminded her that she’s not responsible for his feelings. He’s very moody and dark at times. Jennifer appreciates life in another way. She’s very grateful for everything.”
This was supposed to be Lopez and Affleck’s second shot at love after ending their engagement two decades ago.
The pair started dating in 2002 after meeting on the set of their blockbuster bomb, “Gigli.” They were supposed to walk down the aisle in 2003 but called off the wedding days before the ceremony. Lopez and Affleck announced their breakup in January 2004.
Lopez shared that she felt like she “was going to die” after calling off their 2003 nuptials and swore that they would do better the second time around.
Before rekindling her romance with Affleck in 2021, the “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” singer was engaged to A-Rod.
Lopez was first linked to the ex-MLB player in 2017. They announced their engagement in 2019, and in April 2021, they called off their wedding plans.
“We have realized we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so,” Lopez and A-Rod said in a joint statement at the time. “We will continue to work together and support each other on our shared businesses and projects. We wish the best for each other and each other’s children.”
Days after her breakup with A-Rod, Affleck was spotted at Lopez’s Los Angeles home, and the rest is history.
