Above is Ben Affleck at the ESPYs introducing Derek Jeter, who was honored with the Icon Award for his long career playing shortstop for the Yankees. Jeter, 41, set multiple records during his 20 seasons with the Yankees and only retired last year. Affleck is from Boston and a Red Sox fan. He made a lot of jokes about Jeter making him heartbroken and making Bostonians boo, but it fell flat in my opinion. He did say some nice things about Jeter being a class act and an excellent player, but I think they should have had a true fan or colleague introduce Jeter.
You may notice that Affleck is wearing his wedding ring, similar to how he wore it to Comic-Con for his panel appearance and then took it off almost immediately afterwards. He was also papped on another recent outing without his ring, but in public appearances he’s still wearing it. (And he wore it again yesterday for the paps, probably for consistency.) His ex, Jennifer Garner, is still wearing her wedding ring at all times, or at least when she’s photographed.
People Magazine, the outlet for all things Gaffleck, had an article yesterday claiming that Ben and Jen are wearing their rings for their kids. This makes no sense to me but ok:
Friends of the former couple say the rings (Affleck, 42, has worn his off and on; Garner, 43, has been spotted wearing hers) symbolize their effort to help their three kids, Violet, 9, Seraphina, 6, and Samuel, 3, through their divorce as easily as possible. The children “are a big part of why they’re still wearing [the rings],” a source tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue. “They just want them to be okay.”
Garner and the kids are spending their summer in Atlanta, where Garner is shooting Miracles from Heaven. Affleck, who spent several days with his family in Atlanta last week, “plans to be there with them as much as he can,” says a source close to both. “He’s playing Mr. Mom, and that is what he wants to do. As difficult as it is, from what we’ve seen, it’s pretty amicable.”
Garner, who has been less in the spotlight while filming in Atlanta, “is doing great. The kids are with her, which is all she wants,” says a friend. “She’s as strong as ever.”
I don’t get this. On one hand People reported that Garner told her kids that a divorce is coming and that “she’s honest with them – she’s not sugarcoating this.” Did the PR team test that claim with a focus group and determine that it was better to tell the public that these two are acting like they’re still together for their kids’ sake? That will only confuse them, and I think the ring issue is not even relevant. The kids want to know if their parents are together or not and I doubt they even notice the rings.
As we saw last night, Ben looks really beat and hungover lately, which fits in nicely with his “devasted by the breakup” narrative. It can also be explained by a “partying with hookers” narrative that has yet to be sniffed out by the press.
Photo credit: Getty and FameFlynet
On/off
On/off??
I Think they are underestimating their Children.
I think they are ruining any and all goodwill that public may have for them. They are so obvious in their manipulation tactics. Wear your wedding ring for your kids? If I was really worried about my kids and their well being I think I might try not banging people other than their mother. I don’t know that’s just me.
They need to stop this stuff, they aren’t winning any sympathy.
It probably isnt about the kids though. She is probably still hang up on him (I would say it was for the media but she really isnt pulling the pap walk game right now). He is totally over it of course but he has to be careful not to confirm the perception that he is indifferent or even resentful towards the marriage.
He cant be seen to be reveling in this while his ex is seen as struggling to come to terms with it. And yes, his tossing his ring while his ex sits with hers to the very last day of that decree would confirm a lot of the stories. PR.
But she is pulling the “pap walk game right now” she was in Atlanta for two weeks and only got pap on set. Yet after Ben conveniently gets pap with the kids Jen been photographed around town almost daily after Ben left.
I say this because both Jen and Ben have filmed in Atlanta before and they never get pap there just sighting from the locals, now we are getting lots of pictures.
This has nothing to do w/the children – at least not in the way that People’s reporting and everyone here wants to believe.
I agree. It’s all about not looking like the cheating, drinking, gambling no-good husband who got kicked the curb.
Uh, no, Puffy B, I meant that it’s about who gets custody of the kids…
(So, who cheated on you to make you so bitter and angry?)
The children will think there still is a chance so thats really not helpful.
My friend’s husband and his ex really did a number on their kids by overly trying to still “be a family” after they divorced. They had regular meals, vacations, holidays together, to the extent that the kids were devastated when their divorced dad married my friend. One of them hid under the table at the wedding. And they were older than the Affleck kids when it happened. The kids need to understand the reality of the situation.
My son just found out one of his school friend’s mommy and daddy live in different houses. I explained that sometimes mommies and Daddies don’t live together and sometimes are married to other people. He asked many questions and I tried to explain as best I could to my just turned 5 year old. My son is a very sweet, sensitive and compassionate person (thank goodness- he is my sunshine). He then said “My heart would hurt if you and daddy lived in different houses and I would not want another mommy”. I was speechless and tried not to tear up and simply just held my sunshine. I assured him that our family was going to remain in one house- always. (at least I would hope so).
I understand why Jen G tried so hard to keep her family together. I would probably do the same but I do understand that if the other person in the relationship checks out and does not want to go on..or if the other person is boozing, cheating, drugging, etc, ….its important to divorce. This also shows your kids that there is a way out of an unhealthy relationship. Role modeling self respect and self worth is so impt for children. Actions speak louder than words.
Divorce is hard for everyone. Why does this matter?
I am always suspect if blinds but Lainey’s blind about Ben and heroin might be on the level. Ben looks all sorts of wrecked and it can’t just be a hangover …
She also mentioned today something about detox bloat… So I’m in the same wavelength as you.
Yep I think that blind is on the money and it’s why Jen finally moved him on.
Devastated?????
The man looks happier than a pig in sh*&!!
He is clearly not equipt as his ex (Goop) and her ex husband. They did it together, and they did it right.
Ben is just Nick Dunning everybody right now.
Perfect comment! I agree completely.
My theory is one that most of you won’t agree with…but, I think Jen got fed up with Ben for God only knows what (other women, drinking, gambling, not being with the family enough), and she is the one that gave him the boot. I don’t believe Ben wants this divorce. He loved his family image and I think he would love to have it back, and believes he can win Jen back.. And I think that Jen is so in love with Ben, that it might happen, This divorce may never take place…
I think she gave him the boot too. I think that is why they vacation together and will live on same property. I don’t think he wants the marriage back, really. I think they will divorce and both be fine. Well, she will be fine, who knows how Ben will end up.
It was my theory too with the exception that he doesn’t want the marriage, he wants the good (PR) image it brings…
Meh. I think she gave him the boot because she had no choice. He wanted out, and Ben’s way, and many men’s, is the passive aggressive way. Emotionally withdraw, not try, until the woman feels she has no choice but to file for divorce. Many men just don’t want to say it. And many women, like Jen, hang on too long, ignoring the big warnings, and accepting any crumb of evidence the husband is working on the marriage. So the woman ends the relationship but technically the husband had left long ago emotionally. This can be vice versa also.
I don’t think Ben wanted the marriage to go on. I think he was done and wanted out and finally pushed her far enough to where it happened, that she couldn’t ignore it anymore.
@Jayna I totally agree with you. Sure, I think Jen may have finally thrown in the towel, but only because he left her no choice ultimately. I believe he’s been checked out for a long time, and I also actually think he looks happy and relaxed since he got back to LA for Comic Con last week.
I totally don’t get the ring thing though. That’s BS to me. The kids don’t care about rings, and I agree with others that leaving them on only sends confusing, mixed signals to them.
I do find it interesting that People Mag used the phrase “a big part of the reason”, as in the kids are a “big part of the reason” they’re still wearing their rings. Oh, then what’s the “other part” of the reason? Lol. Yes, they’re just words, but a source chose to use them rather than just saying they’re wearing the rings “solely” for the kids. If it’s because of his upcoming Batman and other promotions, then why does he also take it off in front of paps sometimes? And if they haven’t firmly committed to divorcing, it also seems strange that he does take it off regularly and then slips it back on. Wouldn’t that piss of Jen if they’re trying to work things out? And then of course, there’s dutiful, good wife Jen, filming her religious movie and keeping her ring on ’til the bitter end.
I think it’s totally possible that Jen threw Ben out. He’s been having his cake, and eating it too, for a VERY long time. Likely, he never believed that she would ever finally pull the plug. Ben is probably in complete shock right now.
As far as this now-you-see-me-now-you-don’t with the ring, it’s making him look like an idiot. Pick a side, dude!
I read they’re down to texting only to exchange information about the kids. This isn’t a bad idea, eliminates the emotional part of a separation that voices can convey. I think they’re actually both relieved their sham of a marriage is over. It was just habit but now, the longer they’re split, the easier it’s becoming.
Is it normal for so many random non-sports celebrities to be at the ESPYs? I’ve never really paid attention.
They always have non-sports celebrities at the ESPYs, most are random but Affleck is not so random because he has made documentary films about baseball
Thanks for the info! Gyllenhall and McAdams made sense to me due to Southpaw, but I didn’t get the Batfleck connection. Really puzzled by Britney Spears, but kind of hoping she picked up a nice househusband contender like Jessica Simpson’s. Do you have to be invited to attend?
LMAO because kids really care about jewelry and wedding rings. If they are doing it for their kids, why does Ben wear it only for press events and takes it off right away when he leaves the media event to presumably go home to his kids😄
As for Jennifer Gardner I believe she loves her kids and cares about making them feel comfortable but her biggest role in life has been Mrs. Afflect. As she transitions to selling her goods at Joann’s having a ring and smelling like home made cookies will continue to help her image.
http://www.joann.com/wemadeit/?icn=mobileHome&ici=Zone1-5
I had the same thoughts when I read about Goops uncoupling – it’s confusing to kids, underestimates them, and gives the kids hope that their parents might get back together. Why go on vacation together and wear wedding rings when you’ve announced your divorce?
I don’t get why we’re paying so much attention to the ring issue.
If they want to wear it fine, I’m sure they have their reasons to or not to.
Please give them a break. it’s getting ridicoulously silly the point of reporting if they are indeed wearing the ring each time they are seen publicly. For all we know they are divorced, period.
The point is they more so Ben is making it a big thing. He’s the one wearing it and taking it off, like why wear the ring on stage at Comic con then take it off when he get off stage? Ether you wear it or you don’t just stop playing the games.
It’s just like when they announced the split and ask for privacy then had their PR agent run to the media with a new story and tell them where they are going to be and why. Goop and Chris had less drama when they split because they weren’t playing the media game like Ben and Jen are.
Damn I never knew this – Ben is Smeagol/Gullom.
That’s the only explanation for Ben’s ring gate.
I cackled! 😀
Ha!! My precioussssssss…😄
No one has made a disrespectful, hyperbolic comparison yet today, so I was beginning to think I had orbed on to the wrong planet. Ah, but my beloved Batfleck is still playing the ring game, so I know all is well with the world.
Many happily married couples never wear their wedding rings and their kids never notice, I doubt very much kids of divorcing parents would notice their lack of jewellery and even if they did a simple explanation would suffice. Children don’t have a sentimental attachment to other peoples wedding rings, the adults wearing them do.
Obviously Ben isn’t attached to his as he takes it off the second he thinks nobody will notice so I wonder if it’s some sort of agreement that he has with Jennifer to keep the rings on because she’s attached and guilt tripping or threatening to leak unflattering information about him unless he does what she wants. Which would explain taking the ring off at comic con in front of press and fans, a passive aggressive rebellion.
Either that or it’s a purposeful attempt to get as much media attention as possible. Whatever the truth it looks ridiculous and attention seeking.
Exactly this. This whole cat and mouse game with the rings is ridiculous.
My husband doesn’t wear any jewelry, and I often forget to put mine on. Doesn’t mean anything and my kids never notice. What they DO notice is if there is tension in our relationship.
JMHO, this entire charade is too keep him in damage control mode for the opening of Batman. There is too much film, franchise and marketing money on the line to have this situation cast a shadow on this project. It’s just business.
I don’t understand why this is a issue, they recorder the ESPY’s awards a few months ago, Ben was still married to Jenifer.
This. The event was recorded a while ago. What got me was the commercials before and after his appearance featured her
That makes the ring removal even more strange.
I can’t believe how quickly I have become sick of Ben Affleck.
Yeah like his pre-school kids care about him wearing a stupid ring. Like they pay any attention to any of it.
On a side note, he looks better than ever. Just gorgeous.
I’m still confused. Are they pretending to still be married? for the kids? ‘Cuz that won’t blow up in anyone faces, said no one. Ever.
Also the rings are for the general public and media, children don’t care or notice rings. Both of them are full of it.
@LHEA Oh! If it was prerecorded, then why is it being covered all over the media as if it was recorded this week? Shouldn’t they be aware of this?
Because even though it is pre-recorded, ESPN doesn’t release the results or images until the broadcast date. The Arthur Ashe award is usually the only one they announce ahead of time
I don’t think the awards show was prerecorded. From what I’ve read, it was live.
Why is Ben Affleck even there? To soften the public to his recent news by getting used to seeing him in public more and more? I hate the way this guy goes about the media. So fake.
Michael K. mentioned at D Listed that Ben’s wig looked like Chuck Woolery’s hair (Wheel of Fortune) circa 1982.
Add a spray on tan. And a ring. Pretend to be humbled and devastated. Fail.
Ben looks happy to me and getting affection from somewhere. He’s not foolin’ anyone.
It’s not their PR people telling him what to do here (rings on/off, back/forth to Atlanta…) and maybe not even the studio but probably Ben’s divorce lawyers…
And it’s not about the kids, at least not in the way everyone here thinks (whether they see or even notice the rings at all…) but who gets the kids in the divorce.
If Radar is to be believed, and I think this story sounds more plausible than anything else, they may be gearing up for a major custody battle: http://radaronline.com/celebrity-news/ben-affleck-prepares-custody-battle-against-jennifer-garner/
No matter how I or anyone feels about Jen, I find it hard to believe that she would press for sole custody unless she had serious concerns about him being present as a parent.
For his sake and that of their children, though, I sure hope the blinds aren’t true, but if so, it would seem that things have gone too far for much hope of reconciliation now. 🙁
Ben and the ring game seems like PR that he’s failing at. Jen’s maybe something else, but surely this isn’t for the kids…
Don’t mean to sound preachy but lesson 1 to young women…If the way he is the day before the wedding is what you know and love then by all means go for it. If you are confident that the second he says “I do” he’ll be the committed guy you always wanted then the chance for a good long term relationship is slim. And when you have a baby you must make peace with the guy and accept all that is there enough to make coparenting possible. You have to assume that what he is today is what he will always be. Yes people mature and change over time and that can be great but you have to be happy the way he is now and not what you hope you can make him.End of lecture.