On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, the New York Post reported that the judge presiding over Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s divorce case has connections to both Affleck and Lopez’s ex-fiancé Alex Rodriguez. California Judge Bradley S. Phillips has been assigned to oversee the high-profile divorce. While he asserts it will not influence his judgment, the judge’s son-in-law, Strand Conover, represents both Affleck and Rodriguez as their agent at talent agency WME.
Conover is a partner at WME, the agency that represents Affleck and had represented Rodriguez during his baseball career. In addition to being Affleck’s agent, Conover also had business dealings with Rodriguez during Lopez and Rodriguez’s engagement through his role at the agency. Judge Phillips acknowledged in court documents that his son-in-law is familiar with both Affleck and Lopez through his work. However, the judge stated that he has not discussed the divorce case with Conover and will remain impartial.
Despite the family connection, Judge Phillips maintained in legal filings that his son-in-law’s relationships with those involved would not constitute a conflict of interest. He promised not to disclose any private case details to Conover. Judge Phillips highlighted that while Conover knows Affleck and met Lopez through Rodriguez, he does not directly represent Lopez herself.
Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck on August 20th, citing irreconcilable differences and dating their separation as April 26th. Sources say Affleck’s “erratic mood swings” and “toxicity” put strain on the marriage. Insiders note Lopez took on more of a caretaking role for Affleck’s emotional well-being. As Lopez earned financially during their short marriage, experts say income and assets acquired since marrying could be considered joint property if no prenuptial agreement was in place.
This was Lopez and Affleck’s second attempt at romance after originally splitting their engagement in 2004. Lopez expressed heartbreak over calling off their first wedding but maintained things would be better this time. Prior to reconnecting with Affleck last year, Lopez had also been engaged to Rodriguez but ended that relationship in April 2021.
Source: New York Post
