Just in case you were wondering if Jennifer Garner was pregnant or just putting on some baby-shaped weight, the actress has finally admitted she’s expecting. Jen’s pregnancy has been sort of unofficially/accidentally acknowledged by husband Ben Affleck and their actor friend Victor Garber. And everyone knows once Victor Garber tells the press you’re expecting, there’s really no need to say anything more.

Jennifer confirmed to Access Hollywood that she isn’t just unfortunately bloated – though she did make a joke about it.

After months of speculation, Jennifer Garner has officially confirmed she is expecting a second child with her husband, Ben Affleck, in a new interview with Access Hollywood’s Tony Potts.

”Thank you,” Jennifer told Tony at the Baby Einstein’s 10th anniversary celebration on Wednesday, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles. “We’re so excited, obviously.” Jennifer was coy with the news at first, joking with Tony as he wished her well.

“Congratulations. Can I say that?” Tony asked. “For what?” Jennifer smiled. “For baby number two,” Tony responded.

“Oh I’m not pregnant,” she giggled. “I just had a lot of carbs for breakfast. It’s just — what do they call it? A breakfast pouch? Bunch?”

Jennifer’s confirmation comes after weeks of speculation as her tummy size swelled to the visible baby bump she is currently sporting. The child, whose sex Jennifer did not reveal, will be her second with Affleck.

[From Access Hollywood]

Jennifer and Ben have also been busy campaigning for Barack Obama while promoting green causes. Jen was seen driving around Brentwood yesterday in a beautiful hydrogen powered BMW. The car had a huge advertisement on the side that said “Clean Energy,” on it. She probably got comped for it, but it’s nice to see someone famous endorsing something that actually matters instead of just promoting a new brand of jeans.

Here’s Jennifer driving her hydrogen car yesterday. Header of Jen with daughter Violet buying balloons for Ben’s birthday on Thursday. Images thanks to Fame.

Political celebrities are officially out in full force. Two men whose names have often been bandied about as possible future politicians –Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, along with wife Jennifer Garner – gave speeches at a fundraiser for Barack Obama this weekend. The guys really do everything together. Both Matt and Ben are expecting their second children in the next few months. They support the same political causes. And I’m pretty damn sure that if you checked, they’re wearing the same underwear.

Their shared passions definitely benefited a good cause this weekend, as Ben, Jen, and Matt lent their star power to help raise money for Obama.

A pregnant Jennifer Garner gave a “witty, clever” speech supporting presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama at a fundraiser on Saturday night, People reported. Joined by husband Ben Affleck, as well as friends Matt Damon and wife Luciana, who’s also expecting, Garner reportedly gave the first speech at a $1,000-per-person VIP reception at club SET.

“She was very witty, clever and funny,” a SET source told People. “She was followed by her husband Ben, then Matt Damon. The men gave serious political speeches on how the country needs change.” The stars were reportedly in good spirits, drinking bottled water and mingling with guests. “They were all in great moods and very friendly to everyone,” another source told People.

Damon spoke to reporters outside of SET about his support for the Democratic candidate, saying that he’s for Obama “for a lot of reasons. But mostly because I don’t like the path this country’s on and if McCain is elected we’ll be continuing down that same path.” At least one of the famous couples may make an appearance at the Democratic National Convention later this month. “I’d like to,” Affleck told People.

[From Access Hollywood]

I love election season. Celebrities actually have something more interesting to talk about than Paris Hilton. Unless you’re John McCain, then Paris is about all you can come up with. Obama has a lot of celebrities in his corner, and that can be a positive or a negative, depending on how a politician plays it. I think he’s done a good job of being gracious towards them, but not overly courting them. So far he has yet to schmooze with Heidi Montag, as far as I can tell. And that’s pretty much the bottom of the barrel.

Here’s Ben and Jennifer arrive at LAX airport to catch a flight on Friday. Header image is an older file photo of Ben and Matt together in 2006. Images thanks to WENN.

Cara reported yesterday that Ben Affleck seemed to slip in an interview he gave in late May in which he said “we’re going to have another baby soon now that we’ve figured out how to do it.” It could be interpreted as either a confirmation that his wife Jennifer Garner is expecting or just Affleck letting us know that they’re trying for another baby. Either way, it looks like congratulations are in order. Garner’s close friend and the man who officiated her wedding with Affleck, Victor Garber, has confirmed that she’s expecting.

“Yes, she is,” Garber - who officiated the couple’s 2005 wedding - told Us when asked if recent speculation was true that the couple is expecting.

A source adds, “She is five months pregnant. They are very happy.”

Garner, 36, and Affleck, 35, are parents to two-year-old daughter Violet - one of Us’ Babies of the Year.

[From US Weekly]
She’s five months pregnant already? She looks three months if that. Ben and Jennifer have two and half year old Violet, and they come across as very hands-on parents and are often seen out with their daughter. There have been rumors that they’re having trouble, but those stories don’t seem to have much basis in fact. Both Ben and Jen have been outspoken about their wish to have another baby and this is great news for them. Maybe we’ll receive some confirmation from their camp, but I bet Garber spoke with their blessings and they’re just glad to stop the speculation.

Jennifer Garner is shown out in LA on 7/17/08. Credit: WENN

There have been rumors for months that Jennifer Garner is pregnant with her second child by husband Ben Affleck. Ben may have let the baby secret slip in late May during an interview with Marianne Gray. He was chatting with Gray about his movie Gone Baby Gone when the subject of working with Garner again came up. The couple first met when they worked together on the film Daredevil. While modestly putting her on a pedestal he may have admitted they were expecting another child.

He’d “love” to work with Garner “if she would work with me, but she might just want to work with a real director. And we’re going to have another baby soon now that we’ve figured out how to do it. We want lots of kids.”

[Times Online]

Ben and Jennifer were seen yesterday heading into Garner’s L.A. obstetrician’s office. Reps for both camps refuse to deny or confirm any baby news. Her recent preference for baggy tops and efforts to shield a possible baby bump by holding her two year old have tabloids theorizing that she is three months along.

These poor celebs. If pregnancy rumors started every time I was a bit bloated, I would be considered to be knocked up year round.

Jennifer Garner and Violet are shown out on 7/9/08 and 7/15/08. Credit: WENN

Jennifer Garner and Violet, two and a half, go shopping in Brentwood yesterday. Garner lets us get a glimpse of her shopping list, which includes organic hotdogs, wheat germ, chicken, and chocolate. She’s been wearing a lot of loose tops lately, not that I would jump to any conclusions about that.

Tara Reid still looking super skinny, but healthier outside of Mr. Chow yesterday. She stopped to sign autographs for some fans. According to IMDB, she has two films in the works and one just completed called Vipers. The tagline reads “First Comes The Slither, Then Comes The Slaughter.” It’s a living.

Paris Hilton and Benji Madden watch the Kendell Holt vs. Ricardo Torres lightweight championship at Planet Hollywood in Vegas. Doesn’t she have man hands? Mike Tyson was also there, dreaming of his glory days.

Pamela Anderson celebrates her 41st birthday at the Luxor in Vegas. There are also photos of her hanging all over Criss Angel and licking her birthday cake, which was adorned with a giant flower in the shape of lady parts. Gossip Girls has those pics.

Danny Devito and Rhea Perlman go out to dinner at Tra Di Noi Resaurant in Malibu, California on 7/5/08. Devito, 63, and Perlman, 60, have been married 16 years and have three children: Lucy, 25, Grace, 23, and Jacob, 20.

All images thanks to WENN.

Matt Damon, his pregnant wife Luciana Barroso, his old friend Ben Affleck and Ben’s wife, actress Jennifer Garner, went out for dinner on Saturday night at Nobu restaurant in Malibu. Matt and Luciana were laughing up a storm, but Ben and Jennifer looked a little somber. I can easily speculate that at least one photographer was shouting obnoxious questions at them based on that barely decipherable story by Ted Casablanca that there’s trouble in their marriage. If you watch any paparazzi video they pepper the celebrities with near-constant questions that can seem incredibly creepy and stalkerish.

The last we saw of Matt he was looking super frumpy and a little plump on the Hawaiian set of The Insider. Put a hat and a normal shirt on the guy and he’s the fine action hero dad again. His wife looks gorgeous and I love her outfit and hair.

Affleck appeared on Nightline on Thursday in a piece talking about his work in the Congo. He’s more than aware that celebrities can be bashed for doing charity work, but he feels that he has currency as a famous person and he may as well spend it on doing good in the world.

As for the state of his marriage, Affleck told Access Hollywood that everything is fine and that he couldn’t be happier:

“Things are pretty great,” Affleck said, when asked if he had any vacation plans on the horizon. “We’re very happy. Things couldn’t be better. We’re kind of taking it easy and just kind of enjoying a little downtime at home.”

[From Access Hollywood - site has automatic sound]

The tabloids are going to use these photos and run stories with made up insider quotes that Garner and Affleck are having trouble. I bet you these two are just annoyed at the intrusive paparazzi and the rude questions they shout.

Thanks to Splash for these photos.

I’m still annoyed at Ted Casablanca for making me fall for his jargony claim that Brad and Angelina sold their New Orleans mansion. (Jaybird wrote that story, but I’m the one who sent it to her, I have to take the blame.) He said it with such conviction and used so many stupid adjectives that it just had to be true.

Well yesterday Casablanca reported in his roundabout twang that Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck were having trouble. Because I promised you guys that I wouldn’t rely on him for information anymore, I sat on my tingling hands and didn’t report it. It’s now at the top of the gossip aggregate site I visit multiple times a day, WeSmirch, and I was just about to reluctantly report it when I saw the denial from their reps.

Here’s what Casablanca said, and I’m rolling my eyes having to read this shit again. If you read between the lines, you can tell he’s just making assumptions because they’ve been seen out separately in photos.

Terribly unfortunate scuttlebutt has come my way. Sources insist to me that Jennifer Garner is considering splitting up from her hubby, Ben Affleck. Say it ain’t so, baby-cakes! Nevertheless, waiting on comment now from both parties. Could this be the reason Jen and Ben are always seen cooing over adorable daughter Violet separately, rarely as one happy family unit? Perhaps. And certainly, those who know the former Alias star well insist Ben’s mama has never particularly cared for the gal who broke Michael Vartan’s heart to hook up with Benny-Boy in the first place. Waiting on official PR responses to that little familial naughty nugget as, well, for what it’s worth. Much has to be divided, I’m told…planes, property. Wonder—if above baddie biz is true—if Benny-boy will be the gentleman Vartan was when he was cast aside? Let’s hope. I mean, don’t leave Vi-hon with the sitters too long if ya decide to hit the card tables, Mr. A!

[E! Online via Gossip Rocks]

Yes, terribly unfortunate scuttlebutt indeed. Well the reps for the Garner-Afflecks say it’s 100% fabricated:

A report by E!’s Ted Casablanca that Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are considering breaking up is “100% completely fabricated,” Garner’s rep tells Usmagazine.com.

The E! report speculated a potential split was “the reason Jen and Ben are always seen cooing over adorable daughter Violet separately.”

But Garner’s rep tells Us: “There is not one ounce of truth to it.”

[From US Weekly]

I’m glad I heard that before I reported this, even with the severe disclaimer I was about to slap on it. Now I have another reason to ignore this guy other than the fact that his writing makes my head spin.

Was the brief blip in traffic worth it for Casablanca? I ask myself that very question when I post celebrity upskirts.

Ben and Jen are shown at the White House Correspondents Dinner on 4/26/08, and with their daughter Violet, two and half, registering her for “the First Presbyterian Nursery School in Santa Monica” on 6/16/08, thanks to WENN.

Jennifer Garner had a mommy’s moment of panic while out shopping yesterday in Brentwood with her daughter Violet, 2 and a half. Violet got into the family Lexus while clutching the key, locking herself inside. Garner was able to tell her daughter how to open the door, and she finally managed to do it after about two minutes. There were enough photographers there to help if it came to that, but it’s still got to be stressful to get locked out of your car by your two year old.

My son is now three and a half and he gets a huge kick out of locking me out on the porch. He knows how to unlock the door, but he stands there and laughs for a while until he decides to let me back in. I try to act like I don’t care so that he doesn’t have any incentive to do it again.

Thanks to the Daily Mail for the heads up on this story.

Ben Affleck and wife Jennifer Garner were in the Boston area over the weekend to host and appear at a fundraising dinner for presidential candidate Barack Obama. Affleck has never been one to shy away from political causes– he and buddy/co-star Matt Damon campaigned in favor fair health benefits for labor unions back in 2004 and Ben not only appeared on the Bill O’Reilly show, but held his own against the host. Affleck told O’Reilly during that broadcast that he is a social liberal but didn’t consider himself a Democratic “party guy.” But since meeting Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention on Boston, Affleck has become a big fan of the candidate.

They may have been drawn by a chance to meet Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, but the hearts of the 450 people who packed Rumor last night belonged to one man: Barack Obama. The sold-out fund-raiser at the Theater District nightclub was hosted by the Hollywood power couple to rally support for Obama’s bid to win the White House. “I’m here because I’m trying to raise money for a campaign and a candidacy that I believe in,” Affleck told the media shortly after hopping out of a black Chevy Suburban with his wife and his mom, Chris. “I’m just trying to do my part.” Affleck met the Illinois senator when they were both in Boston for the 2004 Democratic National Convention and said his “admiration of [Obama] has grown” since. The Oscar winner seemed particularly proud to participate in a gathering that regular folks could go to, noting “it’s not a $1,500-a-plate event for the elite.” (Tickets were $250 for a VIP reception and $50 for the main party.) Among those spotted were Senator John Kerry and his wife, Teresa, Red Sox GM Theo Epstein ’s brother Paul and his wife, Saskia Grinberg, and Wellness Community-Greater Boston CEO Ron Lipof. The politically savvy Affleck, who has donated at least $4,600 to Obama’s campaign according to public records, wasn’t going to be drawn into the recent flaps between Obama and Democratic Senator Hillary Clinton, who won the Massachusetts primary. “This is not about casting aspersions,” the “Gone Baby Gone” director said. “If I were to choose between the two, it would be Barack.” Garner stayed above the political fray, saying she really likes Boston and “would move here in a heartbeat, but it’s six hours from where I work.” But Garner, who’s in town filming “The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” quickly corrected herself saying, “Whoops, I’m working here at the moment.”

[From Boston.com]

I liked that Ben chose to throw this fundraiser in his hometown instead of Hollywood. It would have been so easy for Ben and Jen to turn this into a Tinseltown glamour event, but instead, he decided to keep it a little more low-key and focus more on the candidate than his own star power. My only complain was that his new life partner, Jimmy Kimmel, couldn’t make an appearance.

Pictures of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were taken on Sunday outside Rumer nightclub where the fundraiser for Obama took place, thanks to Splash News.

Ben Affleck has moved on from his much-derided career-stalling relationship with Jennifer Lopez to marry a woman who seems her polar opposite in many ways. Jennifer Garner is relatively free from pretension and seems genuinely kind, if a little ditsy at times. (We can’t always be signing her praises.)

Garner has made fun of herself for even small moments of being demanding, saying in a recent Glamour interview that she had to check herself when she found that she was slightly miffed that she had her makeup done after someone else. “Ben’s in Africa studying malaria and visiting slums with a lack of potable water and maternity wards where many women have HIV. So would I really put my energy into worrying that I’m second to get my makeup done? When you think about the bigger picture, it’s hard to not have some perspective.” Lopez, on the other hand, sends lists of demands to hotels where she’s staying that rival many concert riders for big stars.

So Affleck probably feels like he dodged a bullet in marrying and fathering a child with such a lovely low-key woman. He’s not above acknowledging his ex’s happiness, though. Lopez has managed to stay with her third husband Marc Anthony for an incredible three years and now she’s pregnant with up to two babies. Affleck sent her a friendly note to congratulate her on the pregnancy and let her know how much he enjoys fatherhood. His daughter with Garner, Violet, will turn two next month:

Despite telling “Details” magazine that his relationship with the Latin superstar “was probably bad for my career,” Ben sent a personal message to Jennifer and hubby Marc Anthony extending his best wishes, say sources.

Ben, now married to Jennifer Garner, “raved how fatherhood has left him thrilled - and he said he knows what a great mother J.Lo will be,” the source said. “While the two have had little communication since their highly publicized breakup, Jennifer was deeply touched by Ben’s heartfelt message.”

[From The National Enquirer, print edition, November 26, 2007]

This isn’t the only one of the couple’s exes that Affleck and Garner are friendly with. They are said to have invited Garner’s ex husband, Scott Foley, over to dinner.

Affleck and Garner have been quite scandal free since their 2005 beach wedding. There was a minor blip in February when a Hollywood madam claimed that Affleck hired one of her girls for sex at least six years ago, back when he was single and known as a partier. That mini scandal quickly blew over, and Affleck has kept his nose and polished clean apart from some rumored online gambling.

Last week’s Life and Style has an article about Affleck and Garner titled “Ben and Jen face the biggest test of their marriage.” They suggest that Ben must be lonely since Jen is devoting so much time to her well-reviewed role on Broadway in Cyrano de Bergerac. The only evidence Life and Style offers that they’re having trouble is that Ben “was spotted nursing a Guinness and knocking back a few glasses of wine after the Oct. 10 Chicago premiere of Gone Baby Gone“! In fact Ben even “filled Jen’s dressing room with roses” and they’re said to be “very much in love.” He probably does feel like he dodged a bullet and landed on a soft bed.

Affleck is shown out with his family on 10/14/07 in NY, thanks to Splash News. He is shown below at the Glamour Woman of the Year awards on 11/5/07.