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According to a previous confession, Ben Affleck‘s marriage to Jennifer Garner was not all wines and roses. His statement about feeling unsatisfied in the marriage to the actress has resurfaced amid his tumultuous splits from Jennifer Lopez. Affleck and Garner were married for 13 years and share three children.
While the former couple appeared cordial during this year’s Thanksgiving, their relationship did not always run smoothly. In 2021, Affleck confessed on the “Howard Stern Show” that he felt stifled during their union. The situation also opened the portal to a more serious problem he famously struggled with. The Justice League actor confesses:
“Part of why I started drinking was because I was trapped.”
The 52-year-old notes that he had a premonition about their 2017 divorce, but they stalled for their kids’ sake. Affleck admits that his marital troubles drove him to drink, but he realized that alcohol was not the solution. Reflecting on their failed marriage, he accuses the media of exaggerating their issues. He reiterates that he still loves and respects Garner, but they do not make the ideal couple.
Affleck describes the divorce process as amicable, noting that mutual respect helped them navigate challenging moments. He admired Jennifer Garner’s parenting skills and hoped she thought of him as a good father. Affleck shared that his concern for how his children perceived him motivated him to seek help for his addiction.
However, his statements were met with backlash, prompting him to clarify his remarks on Jimmy Kimmel Live. He stated that he would never demonize his ex-wife or make his children think poorly of their mother. Despite their history and Affleck’s struggles in the marriage, She Finds shared that they continue to co-parent peacefully.
Ben Affleck Second Guessed His Decision To Come Clean About Alcoholism
The actor nearly regrets opening up about his addiction after public reactions to his appearance at the GRAMMYs. According to PEOPLE, internet users speculated that he appeared bored based on his facial expressions. He explained that he was excited to accompany his musician wife as he thought it would be fun.
Affleck declared that a heavy stigma still apparently surrounds owning up to addiction in front of the cameras. The legendary actor clarifies that he had a good time at the 2023 award show. He describes the award show he attended with Lopez as a “work event” and claims he was sober. Affleck notes that he, by design, became the poster boy for “actor alcoholism and recovery and the whole thing.”
He adds that the situation was a double-edged sword, with a really good part involving helping people. The producer explained that people call him for help on maneuvering addiction and alcohol struggles. He noted that one of his go-to advice is telling them to stay anonymous about their addiction stories. Affleck recalled telling them they do not need to be anyone’s poster child or tell anyone about their woes.
Ben Affleck Reportedly in High Spirits for the Holiday Season
The second half of the year began chaotic for Affleck, but he chose to be happy for the holidays. We reported that Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck on August 20, 2024, citing irreconcilable differences. While fans have speculated about a potential reconciliation, the estranged pair seem to be moving forward separately.
Affleck is reportedly “healthy, single, and enjoying life” this festive season. The actor plans to spend the holidays with his three children, Violet Anne, Seraphina Rose, and Samuel. An insider shared that Violet will return home from Yale University to join the family celebrations.
Ben Affleck has seemingly gotten the holiday part of his life on lockdown but it remains to see how the dynamic with the two Jennifers will turn out.
