Pals Beg Ben Affleck to Stop Flirting With Ex Jennifer Lopez: ‘Childish’ and ‘Cruel’ (Exclusive)

Ben Affleck gushed to his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez that she’s “incredible” at the premiere of her new movie, The Kiss of the Spider Woman, on Monday, October 6 — and pals are warning him to back off, an insider tells Globe.

“He bristles at people who ask him about the chances of getting back together with J.Lo, but then he’ll cozy up to her on the red carpet, whispering sweet nothings in her ear and wrapping his arm tight around her waist,” the insider says of the Oscar winner, 53, and the pop star, 56.

While it behooves him to play nice because he’s a producer of the film, the Accountant star “also just couldn’t help himself,” adds the insider, adding that his behavior only served to boost the “If You Had My Love” singer’s hopes.

“For J.Lo it’s proof that the dream’s still alive and she’s convinced the third time will be the charm for them if Ben just takes a leap of faith and gives it one last shot,” continues the insider. “But Ben’s saying the most he’d be interested in is an occasional booty call. He’s got no interest in living with all of her drama 24/7.”

Since he’s made it clear a reunion is out of the question, their mutual friends are begging him to stop being so “childish and insensitive,” says the insider. “He can’t keep playing with her feelings like this. It’s cruel.”