It’s been almost a year since rumours first started that Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were breaking up. As that became more and more of a reality, Ben was more and more seen with Jennifer Garner which resulted in speculation that, perhaps, he would bounce from one Jen to the other, the way he did 20 years ago after the end of OG Bennifer. 

 

This past weekend, while everyone else in Hollywood was focused on the Oscars, Ben and Jen Garner celebrated their son Samuel’s 13th birthday at paintball. We have photos from the day, but not the photos that everyone is talking about. Page Six has those shots.

 

And when you only look at the photos, it does indeed seem like Ben is holding Jen while she’s shooting. Like an embrace. There’s video of the moment though, which I’ve seen, and the moment is brief. 

 

From the video I’m not sure you can call it a hug. He’s either reaching around to make an adjustment or affectionately sliding his arm across her body, quickly, before pulling back – totally up to interpretation which means it’s not definitive. 

However, after these photos and video were released, Page Six reported exclusively that Ben “would love another chance” with Jen G, but their source is also clarifying that “Ben knows it’s just not realistic at this time in their lives”. And that “Ben respects Jen’s relationship with John [Miller] and would never come between them.” So apparently, if this source is to be believed, Jen Garner is still dating John Miller (it’s been years now) which means the other Bennifer 2.0 has yet to officially begin…?

 

At this point, if an actual Ben and Jen G reconciliation is imminent, it’s not about the children. Their three kids have already seen their father go through at least three relationships since their parents divorce – that we know of: Lindsay Shookus, Ana de Armas, and Jennifer Lopez. Violet is in university and has a close relationship with JLo. Finn is tight with JLo’s child, Emme. Samuel is 13, he’s going into high school soon, he has other things to worry about. Getting back together for the kids is not applicable in this situation. Getting back together would be for themselves, and I’m talking about this specifically relative to Jennifer Garner, who has been THROUGH it. And now, as her kids are getting older, and more independent, this is her time to figure out what that next chapter of her life looks like – and how much of it includes that much of Ben. They’re already tethered forever through their children. But another layer of intense tethering, intimately tethering… is this what she would want for herself? Never mind what he wants, because it’s a cosmic mystery that may never be solved. It’s much more interesting what choices she has before her and which one she’ll make. 

 

If, that is, it’s even something that’s a consideration. After all, he could want whatever the f-ck it is that he thinks he wants today, until it changes tomorrow, but it wouldn’t f-cking matter if Jen Garner is not a door that can be opened. 

Can you imagine what the group chat is like with her and her friends right now? Let's Squawk! (App link here)

 

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner celebrated their son Samuel's 13th birthday with a paintball outing in LA on March 2, 2025.
Photo credits: Backgrid

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