In a recent interview, Ben Affleck candidly addressed the fallout from his past remarks regarding his marriage to Jennifer Garner and how they relate to his struggles with alcoholism.
The actor, now 50, has faced significant backlash since he implied in a December 2021 conversation with Howard Stern that feeling “trapped” in his marriage contributed to his drinking problems.
Now, he’s setting the record straight, insisting that the responsibility for his actions lies solely with him.
Affleck’s comments during that interview stirred controversy, particularly when he stated, “We had a marriage that didn’t work,” adding that it was a relationship filled with love and respect but ultimately not sustainable.
He recounted how he turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, saying, “What I did was, I drank a bottle of scotch and fell asleep on the couch, which turned out not to be the solution.” His reflections on their marriage and subsequent divorce sparked a wave of criticism, leading many to interpret his words as blaming Garner for his issues.
In a new conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Affleck described the backlash as a painful experience, suggesting that his comments were taken out of context.
He explained that he never intended to assign blame to Garner for his behavior, emphasizing that he is solely responsible for his actions.
“To be clear, my behavior is my responsibility entirely,” he reiterated, aiming to clarify the misunderstanding that arose from his earlier statements.
The actor elaborated on the complexities of divorce, noting that anyone who has gone through such a process grapples with difficult decisions about their relationship.
“We loved each other.
We care about each other.
We have respect for each other,” he said, acknowledging the emotional turmoil that often accompanies the end of a marriage.
Affleck expressed that as life becomes more challenging, unhealthy coping mechanisms can emerge, leading to further difficulties.
Despite feeling that he articulated his thoughts well during the Stern interview, Affleck believes his words were deliberately misconstrued for sensationalism.
He lamented how quickly misinformation can spread, stating, “It didn’t matter how many times I said, I do not feel this way.” This misrepresentation has left him feeling frustrated, as he insists he does not blame Garner for his struggles with alcoholism.
Though he remains cautious about engaging with the media, Affleck credits the support of his current wife, Jennifer Lopez, for helping him navigate these challenges.
Ahead of his recent interview, Lopez encouraged him to relax and be himself, reminding him of his genuine nature.
Affleck humorously questioned if he really seems serious, acknowledging that Lopez often provides valuable insight and support.
This isn’t the first time Affleck has defended himself against claims that he blamed Garner for his issues.
During a December 2021 chat with Jimmy Kimmel, he expressed hurt over how his words were twisted, despite his efforts to discuss his family dynamics and commitment to co-parenting with Garner.
Affleck highlighted how proud he is of their ability to work together for their children’s sake.
Affleck and Garner share three children: Violet, 17, Serafina, 13, and Samuel, 10.
After separating in 2015 following ten years of marriage, they finalized their divorce in 2018, the same year Affleck sought treatment for alcoholism.
Following his recovery, he rekindled his romance with Lopez, whom he had previously been engaged to in the early 2000s.
The couple tied the knot in July 2022.
As he continues to navigate his personal and professional life, Affleck’s reflections on his past reveal the complexities of relationships and the importance of accountability.
His journey serves as a reminder that healing and growth often come from facing one’s own demons and taking ownership of one’s choices.
With the spotlight on him, Affleck is determined to move forward, armed with the lessons learned from his past experiences.
As he embraces his present life with Lopez and their blended family, he remains focused on being the best version of himself—both for his children and for his own well-being.