Ben Affleck has revisited his earlier accusations about his split from Jennifer Garner and attributed his struggles with alcohol to personal responsibility rather than merely circumstance. The topic surfaced again as outlets reported on his reflections, with Page Six highlighting the actor’s recent comments.
In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Affleck explained that he had been cautious in how he spoke after revealing to Howard Stern in 2021 that his drinking might have continued had the pair remained married. He acknowledged that the wording of his remarks had been misunderstood, and he sought to set the record straight about his intentions.
Affleck stated, “The point of view I was trying to convey was wrong.” He elaborated that his struggles with alcohol were tied to the stresses of life and work, noting that when life becomes difficult, the temptation to fill a void can grow stronger. He added, “Hey, look, I’ve been trying to say that I drink a lot and the harder your life gets, whether it’s your job or your marriage, the less happy you are. If you find things to fill the unhealthy void, you’re going to start doing more of that.” He stressed that his message should have been clearer and more precise.
During Stern’s radio program, Garner spoke about why drinking became a part of her life as well. She attributed part of her alcohol use to feeling confined within the marriage, a point she described as contributing to her sense of being trapped. The remarks drew mixed reactions from Garner’s supporters and close acquaintances, with some offering sympathy and others expressing concern about the broader implications for their family (Source attribution: The Hollywood Reporter).
Affleck and Garner were partners in marriage from 2005 until 2018, and they share three children: Violet, born in 2008; Seraphina, born in 2009; and Samuel, born in 2012. Their family dynamics have remained a frequent topic of public discussion, especially as Affleck has spoken about his past battles with substance use and his ongoing efforts toward sobriety (Source attribution: The Hollywood Reporter).
Beyond the couple’s history, entertainment outlets have reported on related real estate moves as part of broader coverage about Affleck and Garner. For instance, reports have noted that Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have explored purchasing upscale properties as part of their ongoing professional and personal lives, including a recent financial figure discussed in the media. Such items illustrate how widely Affleck’s professional and personal narratives intersect with headlines, even as the focus remains on candid reflections about health, family, and accountability (Source attribution: various contemporary entertainment outlets).