The Controversial Life of Ben Affleck

By Entmt Desk  | August 15, 2024

Ben Affleck shot to fame with his 1997 film Good Will Hunting, which he co-wrote with Matt Damon. The film won them an Academy Award, but success soon brought challenges.

The rise to stardom

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In the early 2000s, Ben’s high-profile relationship with Jennifer Lopez, dubbed "Bennifer" by the media, was intensely scrutinised. Their engagement and subsequent breakup in 2004 became a major topic of gossip.

The "Bennifer" saga

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Affleck’s battle with alcoholism has been public and ongoing. He’s entered rehab multiple times, openly discussing his struggles, which have affected both his personal life and career.

Struggles with alcoholism

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Ben’s marriage to actress Jennifer Garner was often seen as a Hollywood fairytale. However, their 2015 separation and eventual divorce in 2018 were mired in rumors of infidelity and addiction issues.

Divorce from Jennifer Garner

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During the #MeToo movement, Ben faced criticism for his past behaviour. He apologised for groping actress Hilarie Burton during a 2003 appearance on TRL, further complicating his public image.

Accusations during #MeToo

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In 2016, during the promotion of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a meme of "Sad Affleck" went viral, showcasing the actor’s visible discomfort during interviews, adding to his controversial image.

The "Sad Affleck" meme

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Despite controversies, Ben has made a strong comeback in Hollywood with critically acclaimed films like Argo and The Town. His talent behind the camera has earned him respect, even as personal struggles continued.

Return to directing and acting

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In a surprising turn of events, Ben rekindled his relationship with Jennifer Lopez in 2021, almost two decades after their initial breakup, capturing the world’s attention once again.

Reconciliation with Jennifer Lopez

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Ben’s role in the 2003 film Daredevil was heavily criticised, marking a low point in his acting career. Despite the film’s box office success, it was panned by critics and fans alike.

The backlash from Daredevil

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