Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck have found a unique reason to reconnect, as both of their children began their studies at Yale University this semester, according to exclusive sources for In Touch.
With Affleck’s marriage to Jennifer Lopez ending this summer, he was spotted on August 18 with ex-wife Jennifer Garner and their daughter Violet in New Haven, Connecticut, where Violet is starting her freshman year.
The next day, Gwyneth, who had a romantic history with Ben from 1997 to 2000, was seen with her husband, Brad Falchuk, as they dropped off Brad’s son, Brody, at Yale.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck reconnect as their children embark on their journeys at Yale University this semester
A source clarified that Gwyneth isn’t attempting to play matchmaker between Violet and Brody; rather, she believes they could offer each other support due to their shared experience as children of celebrities.
Gwyneth, married to Glee co-creator Brad since 2018, has two children, Apple and Moses, with her ex-husband Chris Martin, and she is also a stepmother to Brad’s kids, Brody and Isabella.
“Gwyneth tends to be a bit of a worrywart and is very protective, even of her stepchildren,” the insider revealed. “She wants to ensure Brody has good influences around him now that he’s away from home, and she sees Violet as a great student and a class act.”
It appears the Oscar-winning actress is also looking to rekindle her friendship with Ben following his divorce from J. Lo, who filed on August 20 after just two years of marriage.
According to the source, Gwyneth is seizing the opportunity of their children’s shared experience at Yale as a way to bond with Ben. She has reportedly sent him various Yale-themed gifts, including “Yale Dad” shirts, which her husband finds somewhat awkward given her connection to her ex.
“Gwyneth seems unaware of how odd this might be,” the insider stated. “She feels a sense of pride in this Ivy League connection, viewing it as an accomplishment and wanting Ben to share in that pride as well.”
Meanwhile, Ben is dealing with his own challenges. A different source revealed earlier this month that his divorce from Lopez could become complicated.
The couple reportedly did not sign a prenuptial agreement before their impromptu Las Vegas wedding on July 16, 2022, and Jennifer is determined to fight for a favorable outcome in their split.
“She feels very wronged by Ben,” the source noted. “For her, writing him a large check would feel like a final betrayal, and she’s not willing to do that easily.”
On the other hand, “Ben is downplaying the financial side of things, but it undoubtedly represents a huge amount of money,” the insider added. “He justifies taking it by claiming he deserves every penny for enduring her drama.”
