Despite the public’s perception, especially given that Affleck has gone through two high-profile divorces, he expressed a deep sense of gratitude during his recent interview with GQ. Affleck elaborated on how fortunate he feels to have Jennifer Garner as a co-parent. This partnership is essential as he navigates the chaotic media environment that often surrounds his life.

“There’s nothing newsworthy at all regarding the daily happenings in my life or the conversations I have with individuals who are often photographed. The media seems to create drama where there is none, suggesting connections between unrelated events. For example, they might interpret a simple moment, like me looking pensive while enjoying a Dunkin Donuts iced coffee, as a sign of distress. I’m very aware of the cosmic irony of it all,” Affleck reflected, discussing how tabloids frequently scrutinize his every move.

As a devoted father to his three children, Violet, 19, Seraphina, 16, and Samuel, 13, whom he shares with Garner, Affleck emphasized that focusing on the real aspects of his life—his career and quality time with family—helps him cope with the external pressures.

“What I’ve chosen to concentrate on is: I know what’s truly happening in my life, and more importantly, my children are well aware of it too. My ex-wife and I had a system where, if our kids saw something sensationalized at the grocery store, we’d remind them, ‘This isn’t always true. If it were, you’d have 15 siblings based on all these stories about your mother being pregnant,’” Affleck humorously shared. “I feel incredibly lucky to collaborate effectively with Jennifer Garner, the wonderful mother of our children.”

While he acknowledged that dealing with constant media scrutiny can be more of a headache than anything else, Affleck admitted that he is still trying to understand why he has been a focal point of public interest for over three decades. He noted, however, “there are certainly worse situations to be at the center of.”

This interview also marked a significant moment for Affleck as it was the first time he openly discussed his breakup with another prominent figure in his life, Jennifer Lopez.

While many fans noted what appeared to be signs of trouble in paradise in Lopez’s documentary, The Best Love Story Never Told, Affleck clarified that his expressions of frustration about sharing personal moments were misinterpreted.

“Part of my thought process was, ‘Okay, if I’m going to participate in this, I want to do it honestly and in a way that provokes interest.’ I found it to be an intriguing exploration. As I mentioned earlier, there are many celebrities, including Jennifer, who navigate fame more adeptly than I do. My natural inclination is to be a bit more reserved and private compared to her. In relationships, differing perspectives can lead to challenges, and I thought, ‘This is interesting because how do you reconcile that dynamic?’” Affleck explained regarding his involvement in the documentary.

He added, “I love and support this person. I believe in them. They are remarkable, and I want people to recognize that. One of the key points I made in the documentary was, ‘You don’t marry a ship captain and then say, ‘Well, I don’t like going out on the water.’ You have to own what you knew before entering any relationship.”

Affleck was also adamant that their different approaches to fame and public life were not the root cause of their separation.

“It’s crucial to clarify that this was not the reason for any significant fracture in our relationship,” he emphasized. “One cannot simply watch that documentary and think, ‘Oh, now I understand the issues these two faced.’”

Regarding the challenges that arose, Affleck refrained from diving into specifics, although he did express deep respect for Lopez, who finalized her divorce from the Good Will Hunting star on August 20, 2024, just two years after they rekindled their relationship and tied the knot, following a long history of ups and downs.

“This is someone I hold in high regard… I have nothing but respect for her,” Affleck asserted. “There tends to be a desire to dissect breakups and identify root causes. However, the truth is often much more mundane than people might expect or find interesting.”

On the other hand, while Lopez has remained relatively quiet about the reasons for their split, she did reveal that the subsequent weeks and months felt “lonely.”

“It feels lonely, unfamiliar, and frightening. It’s disheartening and overwhelming. Yet, when you confront these emotions and acknowledge that ‘these feelings won’t destroy me,’ it becomes apparent that I can find joy and happiness on my own. Being in a relationship doesn’t define who I am,” Lopez shared during an October interview with Interview magazine.

“I can’t be looking for happiness in others. I must cultivate happiness within myself,” she continued, reflecting on her journey of self-discovery after becoming single at 55. “I used to think of myself as a happy person, but I was still searching for external validation. Now I realize, ‘No, I am genuinely complete on my own.’”