Forgive me for missing this story when it came out yesterday but in my defense these Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner stories start to run together after a while. It’s like the same story every few days with some minor tweaks. I guess we have to give them credit for sticking to message, which they’re hammering home.
On the Fourth of July Ben Affleck and his maybe not-so-estranged wife, Jennifer Garner, were seen out together at a Fourth of July Parade with three of their children. You can see those photos here at the Daily Mail. The kids are dressed in red, white and blue but Ben is wearing a black t-shirt like he can’t be bothered and Jen is in a white sleeveless shirt with a black jacket over it. How hard is it to find something blue or red to wear on the Fourth of July? Maybe nothing is fitting Ben right.
Just like last week, this week there’s another story in People about how these two are “making it work”. Instead of Jen being “adamant” about divorcing though, it now sounds like she’s given in and that she’s not going to push it.
It’s been just over one year since Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner announced their plans to split and during that time the two have maintained a close relationship – and still haven’t filed divorce papers.
So what’s really going on?
They’re still figuring things out,” a Garner friend tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue. “Ben still doesn’t want the divorce and he might actually get his way.”
While the former couple have downplayed reconciliation rumors over the past year, they have continued living together, going on weekend outings with their kids and even vacationing as a family. This spring, Garner and their three children, Violet, 10, Seraphina, 7, and Samuel, 4, moved to London for several weeks with Affleck, sharing a rented house and sightseeing in Europe while the actor filmed Justice League.
“She had the best time in Europe with Ben and the kids,” says her friend. “She seemed much happier when she returned to L.A. Jen went from being very adamant that a divorce would happen to instead avoiding any divorce talk.”
People’s cover features the story of kidnapping survivor Jaycee Dugard, I remember that so well and am glad she’s doing well, and Ben and Jen got an inset to the upper right. This is not the first time they’ve had a sidebar on the cover since their split – they were on the Kelly Ripa cover in May. Of course Ben and Jen got two People covers last summer, in July and August, when they split. Isn’t that what this is all about? Informing us of their daily mood changes so that we’ll keep covering them? It works, and people are interested. It’s kind of fascinating to watch, especially since Ben looks so emotionally checked out in paparazzi photos (to be fair maybe he just hates the paparazzi) with his family but still insists on keeping his marriage. It’s like he doesn’t want to be with Jen but doesn’t want to let her go, either. For what it’s worth she seems ok with it, if only because she wants her family together.
For those of you who believe in ring watch – neither Ben nor Jen is wearing their wedding rings. I think Jen first took hers off last August, because she told the press all about it. Ben wasn’t wearing his by September.
photo credit: FameFlynet
I’m ready for Jen to have a career renaissance. She was so great on Alias and, at one time, she was a fantastic action movie heroine.
Right!? She was unbelievably good on Alias. She even won an emmy for it. I miss Sidney Bristow whenever I hear about what Jennifer G is up to these days. Sidney would never have taken Ben back or put up with it for that long.
She won a SAG award, not an Emmy.
Long post alert! I remember last summer Ben had his wedding ring on for all the Comic-Con press stuff but then removed it in the parking lot (and when he didn’t think cameras would be around). That’s when I fully realized how obsessed he is with his image and PR, and how over his marriage he was. Both he and Jen are all about good press. FWIW, I don’t think they are back together. I think they are leading separate lives and have been for quite some time. I think Jen wants to remain friendly and on good terms with him because that will make it easier for the kids, which is what she’s said all along. The tabloids are obsessed with printing every little thing like it’s news but really, all of the articles that they write about them are exactly the same. Most sites are covering all bases saying that a reconciliation is possible, but then in the next breath saying that they are just co-parenting. I really wish they would either file or start dating others publicly. Something. These endless and repetitive articles are actually making me sick of these two.
I concur.
Buuuut…that teeny tiny jacket tho
How concerned with his image wearing is the dude wearing that mini Hulk lookin POS?
At best he has some mediocre team behind/trying to direct him- because the 50 year old that wears that is sloppy as hell.
Nothing screams “middle-aged man trying to appeal to the young hotties” like a leather jacket in hot summer weather. Cringe.
@DesertReal, who wrote: “Buuuut…that teeny tiny jacket tho”
It looks like one of his old leather jackets that no longer fits.
He took it off in the middle of the press conference, actually, which suggests to me that he was just uncomfortable
Same. There is no chemistry between these two and there hasn’t been for a long time. It’s ovah. The minivaners are having a hard time accepting it. lol
I see Ben’s got a case of steroid stomach.
Is that what that is? I was thinking how oddly shaped and unattractive he is. I just can’t understand why he is famous…he seems singularly unintelligent with no charisma, even when he was young. For me, he’s a member of the Cardboard Cut-Out Club, along with Kevin Costner & Channing Tatum.
It would be such a turnoff if he were using steroids. They have such a gross effect on the body, not just the belly but acne and moobs, etc. Yuck.
I think steroids is the least of the worries about things potentially ingested.
The tabloids are just sad these days. I saw on another rag they had a story about Brad, Angelina and Aniston AGAIN. It’s been a thousand years and they are still printing that crap. Everything from an unnamed source is actually just invented by an intern.
Just filler. Ben has been seen lots of times with Jen since the separation. Ben knows how to turn on the charm when he wants to win a woman over or get back in their good graces. Nothing has changed. He treats her like his sister, practically. There has been zero sign in his demeanor that he wants her back or looks at her with any kind of passion or being in love, just that they get along when out with the kids.
Yup. Obvious filler is obvious.
These recycled stories are so boring. Ben’s car and back brace/girdle are more interesting. Maybe they could do a tell all.
I don’t believe that Ben gives a sh*t about being married or not as long as he’s not vilified in the media and get to see his children.
I’ll repeat myself-they’re probably “working out” how he’ll live his life the way he wants and in which direction she’ll watch while he’s doing so.
I hate to say it but I don’t think he even cares about seeing his kids all that much. He’s an “every other weekend” kind of guy to me.
I’m appalled at how they drag the kids out on these pap trips, but hey that’s me. Sure, I believe both of them would like to continue their PR with family benefits relationship. If Ben can keep his private life out of the press, they’ll just continue.
This “Ben wants her back” is just mini-van fanfic to keep her in wholesome Neutrogena money.
Why is he fat now?
I really think he and Henry Cavill will have the same problem. They got so bulked up and not sure if it was done in a natural. Ben looks better leaner. He will get a gut otherwise. Men and women carry added weight differently. Ben just doesn’t look his best at this size. Neither does Henry. I think he and Henry did some kind of steroids. They don’t look muscular; just big and soft.
Regarding he and Jennifer. At this point I’m tried of them both. Either you want out of the marriage or you don’t. If you do get on with it so your children and find a new normal and adjust to this life. I think they are doing themselves and kids a disservice. Unless they do want to stay together. Then good for them and their family. If not move on.
He looked the best in The Town. He was very lean but had some shoulders. Maybe he’s just getting older and not aging well. He’d have a frumpy dad body if he didn’t work in this industry.
When I saw those pictures of Ben out of the car I actually thought that this is Stallone. What the hell ?!? He looks different and I am tired of their “divorce” or maybe I am just cranky today 🙂 Seriously Jen, not only he cheats you all the time, but he was with the woman you hired to take care of your children !!! I just can’t with them, forgive my English …
Your English is fine and I totally agree with you
Donatella, OMG. She looks even more ghoulish next to fresh-faced Jen.
Thank you!
Everyone is going on and on about Ben’s appearance and I’m like “do you even SEE Donatella???”
Holy crap WHAT is going on with her?
Is she REAL???
O_O
She was never exceptionally beautiful, but she at least looked HUMAN before the plastic surgery. The nose job was fine, but the lip injections just wrecked her face.
She seemed pretty clear in her interview from months ago that they would not get back together. I think he wants her to come back to improve his image.
His body looks so odd. I looked up steroid stomach, looks like it could be that or hgh tummy. Whatever, it looks dreadful.
I wish I could pass a note to both of them. A simple one: for the love of God, go away. Please, just go away.
Ugliest. Jacket.Ever!
How about no more posts re Ben ‘n’ Jen as a couple until their divorce is final or he moves back into the house???
These two are still sleeping together. He gives her just enough attention and remorse to keep her around. She uses his ambivalence to boost her own image. They’re perfect for each other.
I don’t get where this even comes from. They barely make eye contact. If they were sexing there’d be some serious body language… and there isn’t. They seem like roommates who get together merely when they need to for their kids.
That green jacket is hideous and Donatella Versace looks like a mummy of Steven Tyler.
It’s all about Ben’s image. Jen has been consistent in her actions. If Ben wants a divorce, then he’s going to have to be the one to file. He’s going to have to man up and take responsibility for his actions for once in his life. Jen is content to leave things as they are because she knows she’s not going back to him and her kids are happy.
She looks gorgeous in that gown, has gotten back into fighting shape. Good for her.
Just wondering about money… The longer they stay married, the more Jen is entitled to. Surely Ben is conscious of that fact and would want to speed up divorce proceedings? Unless–I remember some ten year rule I vaguely heard about wherein the lesser earning spouse is entitled to a large chunk and I may be getting that all wrong–perhaps they passed that ten year mark and it’s going to be all the same amount of money no matter what? Did they have a prenup? The longer they stay together, the more Batman and directing money Ben makes.
I saw a throwback video on ET of early career Ben talking about how he was amazed women were suddenly interested in him where they weren’t before. His teeth looked disgusting. I really can’t stand him. I’d live to see Jen with one of these successful but not a movie star rich guys like Reese and Selma have.
I am pretty sure that the courts see the end if the marriage as when they separated, nit when they file for divorce.
Even if he doesn’t get divorced, don’t expect him to change. He is that kind of guy who wants to have his cake and eat it too.
Yeah right,Jen wanted to divorce.I don’t like Ben but really when did Jen want to divorce.When he was cold towards her and she insisted on being by his side.When she used her kids to keep him by her side.You know it is one thing to have to be politically correct but when one starts seeing things that are not true,should we just keep our mouths shut.Please Jen has no intention of going anywhere and Ben is calling the shots till whatever decision he makes.
There are pics of Ben arriving in London on the DM. I guess he is back there until comic con July 21. Given the distance rumors will die down for a few weeks. Still no divorce filing.
Wow I never use the F word, but Ben looks fat. What’s that all about?? I’m out of the Jen/Ben loop.
Imma not caring so much about the marriage are-they/aren’t-they; Imma be superficial now.
What a pretty necklace she’s wearing! I love that design. She looks amazing in the dress, too.
I just watched that obnoxious f-bomb laden Interview he did with Bill Simmons and Ben said “my wife” as opposed to “Jen”. And it wasn’t even necessary to bring her up at all. Seemed like a very kiss-ass move toward her.
I don’t think so. He has said this in interviews many times before because it’s true. Jen not only supported him and provided a family life for him, she collaborated with him and was very involved in his movies. There is a letterman interview from years ago where she promoted gone baby gone when she was there to promote her own movie. She has done that many times before. It’s really classy for him to keep recognizing it even though they are going to divorce. (If they really are). Why he called her his wife – because I think he sees it that way.
He drinks nonstop on the flight to LA from London and looks like crap when he arrives. Then wow, the first pics of Ben looking relaxed and happy and it’s the day that he gets to leave to return to England. We get it, Ben, you don’t want to be at home.
It’s just me repeating myself again, but I’m not going to be surprised if they reconcile. It’s very easy to fall back into the same [bad] routines in a dysfunctional relationship. I don’t think Jen wants out, even though she seems to be asserting herself more as an independent woman these days. And while I’m not sure Ben is all that into her (although clearly recognizes all she’s done by supporting him), I think his professional image is what matters most to him, and she gives him professional validation through the front of the stable home life. Most people see through this by now, but you still have the hordes of followers who think it would be so cute for this “golden couple” to get back together.
One thing I thought was interesting too. I don’t remember Jen leaving Ben alone with the kids for days in forever. Interesting in the wake of the drinking rumors recently that she would do that (last weekend) if the rumors are actually true, which kind of leads me to believe they’re not. I can’t see her leaving them home with him if she suspects that at all – unless he only saw them during the day, and the nanny was responsible for them overnight, etc.
His having to have a nanny escort them to church is what cemented that the drinking rumors were true. The nannies were no doubt with the kids while she was in France. And I don’t think it’s hordes of people who want them to reconcile anymore. From reading the comments sections people seem to think she’s a doormat for not finalizing already, etc. Mostly everyone seems sick of both of them though.
That was my feeling about the church stroll, too. The nanny was required to be there bc Ben wasn’t trusted. Jen doesn’t take a nanny with her to church and what grown man can’t take his three kids into a building for an hour by himself? I almost suspect that he did the church stroll for the paps ONLY and the nanny was in charge while Jen was away. Methinks Ben is merely allowed to tag along to these family things provided he isn’t drunk, hungover or covered in some woman’s lipstick.
I can see him playing games with the divorce, though, and he can do that by continuing to change terms, etc., which delays the filing (this since they are doing the actual settlements, etc. via private mediator). The court filing will be a mere formality after everything else is signed. It’s in his best PR to stay married and create this image of reconciliation – and that HE wants to stay married. It may make him (in his own mind) seem less like an alleged serial adulterer/nanny’s best friend. She has to be walking a very tight rope between keeping things healthy for the kids, understanding his alleged addiction issues, and awareness of the image of both and the studio pressure to keep things quiet and friendly. There’s a lot of money involved and she still has a career in Hollywood to consider.
She’s doing well to just focus on her career, charity projects and things to establish her independence. That will speak for itself long term.
I think Jen really does not want to be 2x divorced after being brought up in a home where her parents are married 50 years. I also think the kids really love him and she does not want them to grow up without a father the way Ben did. If Ben really has all these serious addiction problems, she has a very tight rope to walk. I agree with a lot of posters who have previously said she would have never gone public with a divorce statement had her hand not been pushed by the nanny situation. I think they would have just continued as they were. In the end though, Jen has come out looking very strong here with a great independent public image. Ben not so much. So it makes sense that he may want to stay married. He may also have finally realized what he was missing. You know what they say, you don’t know what you had until it’s gone.
J – I agree with you in terms of how Jen probably sees the situation. My own feeling is that the real problem with Ben’s father is that he was absentee – not the fact that his parents divorced. Ben said he felt relief when they divorced. I don’t think Ben would be an absentee father, although I’m sure others disagree. I think kids can be healthy and happy in a divorce as long as they feel like both parents are there for them. As for realizing what you have when its gone, yeah. But Ben cheated on Gwyn, he cheated on JLo. These things are fact – not rumor. And he supposedly cheated on Jen many times. That’s not a mistake, but a pattern over decades. If they stay together, I think trust will become an almost insurmountable problem for her. I remember reading blinds in the past about his alleged affairs, and one of them mentioned how he told the woman “he wouldn’t leave his wife.” Who knows about the credibility of blinds, but it seems in character for him. He had affairs but probably never planned to give up the safety/stability of his family life. I think being without that scares him – but not because he can’t live without Jen. I do think Ben wanted out initially, but with the public hits he took this year, it’s possible the tables have turned, and now Jen will have to take the lead on a divorce, and I’m just not sure if she’ll do that.
I guess time will tell. They all looked great in the parade pics – like a real happy family. I’m happy for the. kids if that is the case, (btw there was a nanny in those pics too).
I once saw a fantastic biography on the two of them which probably dates back to 2006/7. One of the biographers there clearly states now she has this sweet southern girl image, but in reality she is tough as nails and extremist focused and driven. It also said how when they became a couple it was exactly what Ben needed, as she had these qualities and helped him to focus and zero in. The biographer also commented that Jen kept Ben on a pretty short leash. I guess she could not keep that going. Though it looks now like he may he interested in being back on that leash. I’m curious to see now that he is back in London, how often he will be coming back to see “the kids”. I think that will reflect on his new found commitment to family. Best of luck to them both. I do not think there will be a filing this summer or a public reconciliation.
The problem is, what you wrote is basically fanfic. They have had major marriage issues for years. She didn’t “help him focus” or stabilize him, she simply looked the other way and allowed him to be absent for long periods of time chasing his directing dreams while she and the kids took a backseat. She cleaned up his messes and trotted out the kids for pap strolls when appropriate. She enabled him, she didn’t fix him because he has always clearly been a drunk mess. Then she nagged him about it. They have been in counseling for years. Ben even mentioned working on their marriage for 10 Christmases in his Oscar speech ffs, indicating that their union has never been light and easy.
I think something happened last spring/summer that forced Jen’s hand and she’s done. Not sure what that is as the public statement of divorce happened before the nanny stuff hit the press. They had already been secretly separated for months at that point. Maybe she had an inkling about Christine or maybe he confessed to yet another affair with a costar or maybe the rumor that I saw online (that a teacher at his kids’ school suspected he was drunk when he arrived to pick them up) was true. Who knows. Point is, I think Jen said it best on Dr. Oz when she said that she doesn’t think people change. She knows that Ben’s not going to. He will continue to screw around with whoever he wants and he will do family things only when his schedule allows, etc etc. And he will continue to drink and gamble and smoke like a chimney, all of which she hates. And if after 10 years he hasn’t figured it out, he’s never going to. He’s a grown man who apparently is self-destructive and needs a babysitter and I don’t think she’s interested in doing that anymore, hence a renewed interest in putting herself out there, getting new management, etc. And she can lie and say that she laughed about Ricky Gervais’s joke at the Golden Globes but you know that bothered her greatly. Her marriage is a punchline and that goes against every PR angle that she and her people have been spinning for the last 10 years. We all know that he’s a cheat and a screw up and if she stays with him, she’ll look really weak and bad. She knows it, too. Fact.