The TRUTH behind Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's 'spats': Couple 'butt heads' because he struggles to be photographed and wants more privacy – but she insists he's 'happy' as they pack on the PDA at Golden Globes

The apparently tense exchanges between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are the result of the pair 'butting heads' over being photographed in public, with insiders claiming the Batman actor would prefer more privacy – but know that his wife 'likes' to be caught.

Affleck, 51, who has long had a fraught relationship with paparazzi, is often seen looking dejected as he gesticulates wildly at the singer, 54.

Lopez insisted her husband was “happy” when questioned about their apparently heated exchange at the Golden Globes on Sunday night, where she was also awkwardly asked how she knows this is her “last” marriage.

But a source seemed to clear up the misconception for good, telling DailyMail.com exclusively: 'Ben and Jen are doing really well… Often we see Ben upset because he just hates the paps who always follow him around. and Jen.

'It's just one part of his day that he's afraid of, and often it seeps into his daily life and it seems like he's angry at the people he's with or at those around him, when really it's just a few photographers are those who do that. they're just shocks.'

The insider continued, “Ben isn't into red carpet photos or photographers being out and about while they're going about their normal lives. He knows Jen loves it, so it causes them to conflict at times, but eventually they fall back to a place where they can be happy.

'It can sometimes be difficult to navigate the life they lead as a celebrity couple because Ben just wants to go to a restaurant or get a coffee and be done with it and just have more privacy – but Jen is all about it.

“So they clash there, but it doesn't ruin their relationship in any way… They're really in a good place.”

Affleck appeared to attend Sunday's event, where they posed for a kiss at the Beverly Hilton – after Lopez walked the red carpet alone.

When asked about the actor's somewhat dreary photos, she told Entertainment Tonight, “Ben is doing well. You don't have to worry about Ben, just let me tell you. He is good. He is happy. It gives me goosebumps, I don't understand what people are so concerned about.'

The couple recently caused concern when they were pictured tense while shopping in the luxury boutiques of St. Barts' capital, Gustavia, on December 30.

The Pearl Harbor actor looked irritated as he helped his wife try on Bulgari pieces, throwing his hands in the air as she sat next to him.

However, they later appeared to kiss and make up, with Lopez hugging her husband for a series of selfies.

Another example occurred in May 2023, when the pair posed together at the premiere of Lopez's film, The Mother.

The Get Loud singer appeared to have a frown on her face and gestured to her husband.

An expert lip reader told FEMAIL that the couple were discussing how and where to pose for photographers.

Lopez appeared to ask Affleck if her low-cut top was “showing too much,” prompting him to respond that it was fine.

Three months earlier, they appeared curt with each other at the Grammys.

Fans believed Lopez was caught telling Affleck to pretend he was having a good time. and a lip reader commissioned by DailyMail.com confirmed this.

“Stop,” Lopez told him. 'Look nicer. Look motivated.' Affleck responded, “Maybe so.”

Affleck and the singer have been married for just over a year after sensationally reconciling nearly two decades after their initial split.

The couple, who first called off their engagement in 2004, reunited during the pandemic and said “I do” last summer at The Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. A more lavish ceremony followed a month later at Affleck's estate in Georgia.

The hitmaker shares her twins Emme and Max with her ex-husband Marc Anthony.

Before getting back together with the actor, she was engaged to baseball pro Alex Rodriguez.

The Gone Girl star was previously married to Jennifer Garner from 2005 to 2018. They share daughters Violet, Seraphina, 13, and son Samuel, 10.

Elsewhere, the insider also shared an update on how the couple has been managing their blended family – explaining that Affleck and Garner are co-parenting smoothly.

The source noted, “Ben and Jen (Garner) have figured out co-parenting. Everyone is friends and everyone has gotten to the point where making things work is the best possible scenario.

'No one wants unnecessary drama, so they never pursue it. All emotions are in the right place.'

In a recent interview with Variety, Jennifer confessed that they “both have PTSD” from the bright spotlight of their first romance, but explained that in their current life as a married couple, “we're older now.” We are wiser.'

She added: 'We also know what's important, what's really important in life, and it's not so much what other people think. It's about being true to who you are.'