Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner: Not Really But What If?

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were photographed at paintball the other day and one brief moment from that occasion has turned into speculation about whether or not they might be getting back together. In my post about this yesterday I wrote that that moment, that shot of him as he reaches around her body, is up to interpretation and the initial reporting around that image was all about how Ben wants it to happen but that it hasn’t officially happened … yet. 

But here comes the follow-up. Multiple outlets are now trying to downplay the meaning behind that one second of hugging-not-hugging, including TMZ citing a source close to Ben who says that this is a nothingburger. And Us Weekly’s source is also shutting down the rumours – it’s probably the same source which is why it’s so hilarious that everyone is claiming “exclusive” here on their reporting – saying that Ben and Jen G are “not interested in rekindling romance”. 

Page Six is the outlet that reported that Ben was “open” to exploring a sequel with Jen Garner but now they’re saying that despite what Ben wants, “the feeling is not mutual”. 

And then there’s PEOPLE, because everyone wants in on this action. PEOPLE’s story made me laugh because how craven they were with their clickbaityness. Check out this headline: 

LOOOLLLLLLL – so the story starts out with Ben’s mood, how he seems to be so light and happy these days around Jen G. But then, if you take the time to read on, the “giddy” fizzles away and turns into flat ad sober: 

"[Jennifer] enjoys spending time with him," that insider continues. "He's a great dad too. But he also has this dark, struggling side that resurfaces. Over the years, it affected their marriage negatively and caused their divorce."

According to the insider, the actress has "come a long way since" finalizing her divorce from Affleck in 2018, after they split in 2015 following 10 years of marriage.

"She's doing great," says the insider. "She loves her new home that she built for her and the kids. John is a fantastic boyfriend. Their relationship is very normal."

Still, an Affleck source says any rumors of a rekindled romance are "ridiculous."

So, once again, confirmation that Jennifer Garner is still dating John Miller. And that there’s nothing going on between her and Ben. But leading with the headline about Ben being “giddy” and what a great mood he’s in is… well… you know how the internet works these days. And you know that people don’t bother reading, they skim a story but the headline is the takeaway. The headline encourages speculation even if the details within the story do not back it up. 

So what’s actually going on here? 

Who are these sources talking about Ben like he’s a lovesick puppy following his ex-wife around, begging her to give him another chance? Is this really a good look for him? 

It’s interesting because the public’s parasocial relationship with Jennifer Garner is about protection. She’s that friend they’re looking out for, and much of the reaction to the speculation that Ben’s trying to win her back has been… get away from her, don’t you dare. If his sources are truly leaking this sh-t about him, the reaction they’ve gotten in return isn’t exactly in his favour. If these are really sources close to him, um, maybe they should stop? 

Here's Ben on the set of Animals the other day in LA.