San Diego Comic-Con 2024 – Kevin Smith, the filmmaker known for his work on Clerks and Jay and Silent Bob, has explained why he decided not to reach out to his good friend Ben Affleck, despite persistent reports of marital problems between Affleck and Jennifer Lopez.

Speaking exclusively at Comic-Con, Smith revealed that his wife, Jennifer Schwalbach Smith, suggested he reach out to Affleck, who has been in the media spotlight for alleged problems in his marriage. However, Smith chose not to follow his wife’s advice.

“It’s clear that he’s been through something, or at least that’s what the press and stuff is saying,” Smith said. “Me, as his least trusted friend who’s very loose-lipped … My wife was like, ‘Oh, you should get in touch with him.'”

Despite his wife’s suggestion, Smith ultimately decided it was best not to reach out. “I thought, ‘The last person he wants to hear from right now is the guy who’s on the chat a lot,'” Smith explained. “So if he’s in a good place, he’ll let me know.”

Smith indicated that he plans to reach out to Affleck soon, as he prepares to begin work on the next Jay and Silent Bob film, in which Affleck previously appeared. “We’re shooting in the fall, so I’ll be in touch with him,” Smith said. “He might even come out and play, but I haven’t been anywhere near the situation yet. I’ll keep reading. You guys have provided most of the information that I know.”

Smith and Affleck have a long history, having worked together on numerous films including Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Reboot. Their friendship dates back to the ’90s, and Smith was also in attendance at Affleck and Lopez’s 2022 wedding.

Recent reports have suggested tension in Affleck and Lopez’s relationship, with the pair reportedly spending time apart recently and Affleck missing Lopez’s birthday party in the Hamptons. Smith last saw the couple at the premiere of Air in March 2023 and reminisced about their connection.

“They’re my very famous friends. They hang out with very famous people. I saw Ben and Jen at the Air premiere the other day and I talked to them for 20 minutes,” Smith recalls.

As Smith prepares for his upcoming project, it appears he will reach out to Affleck again when the time is right.