Ana Navarro’s Matchmaking Attempt for Ben Affleck and Shakira Didn’t Go Well

‘The View’ has always blended serious news with Hollywood gossip, and Ana Navarro often finds herself at the center of it all. The Republican co-host, who officially joined the panel after years of guest appearances, has earned a reputation for her candid, unfiltered takes on celebrity culture, especially regarding Latin pop icons.

Navarro’s interest in Shakira’s romantic life is well-documented. Earlier this year, she humorously commented on the singer’s ex, retired soccer star Gerard Piqué, after witnessing him at her World Cup halftime show. This playful banter is part of what makes her a staple at the Hot Topics table.

However, her latest revelation took things to a new level. Navarro disclosed on the show that she once attempted to set up Ben Affleck with Shakira, even recruiting his longtime friend Matt Damon to assist in her matchmaking efforts.

Navarro shared that she has “never met Ben Affleck,” yet that didn’t deter her from trying to help him find love. The opportunity arose during a Shakira concert, where she spotted Matt Damon and his family in attendance. Given their long-standing friendship and collaboration, Navarro seized the moment.

“Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are friends, and it had just come out that J.Lo and Ben Affleck were breaking up,” Navarro said on The View. “So, Shakira had broken up with her husband.”

Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin chimed in, pointing out a potential complication: Shakira’s friendship with Jennifer Lopez, who co-headlined the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show with her in 2020. Navarro acknowledged that Damon had voiced a similar concern, stating, “Matt Damon said that could be complicated.”

Despite the possible awkwardness, Navarro remained optimistic. “Enough time has passed where I think Ben Affleck needs to give Shakira [a call], and Shakira needs to give Ben Affleck [a call],” she expressed.

Griffin, however, was skeptical. She expressed her desire for “better for Shakira” than Affleck, describing him as “a little messy.” This blunt assessment added a layer of tension to the otherwise light-hearted segment.

The exchange highlights the dynamic that has made the newly configured panel entertaining, with Navarro’s romantic optimism clashing with Griffin’s more cautious perspective.

Navarro’s matchmaking attempt coincides with a tumultuous period for Affleck. He and Lopez first got engaged in 2002 but split in 2004 without marrying. They reunited in 2021 and wed in 2022, only for Lopez to file for divorce in 2024, which was finalized the following year.

In between those two chapters with Lopez, Affleck married and divorced actress Jennifer Garner, with whom he shares three children. Lopez, on the other hand, married and divorced singer Marc Anthony and later dated MLB star Alex Rodriguez before ending their engagement.

Since finalizing his divorce from Lopez, Affleck has faced a series of dating rumors involving various women, all of which have been denied. Shakira, for her part, ended her relationship with Gerard Piqué in 2022 amid a cheating scandal, after being together since 2010.

There is currently no indication that Affleck and Shakira have ever communicated, let alone considered dating. For now, Navarro’s matchmaking plan remains just that: a fun idea shared at a concert that never progressed beyond the discussion stage.

Given her history of commenting on Shakira’s personal life, it wouldn’t be surprising if Navarro revisits the idea the next time either star’s relationship status makes headlines.

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