Ben Affleck on Ex Jennifer Lopez, Viral Memes, and Daughter's Nickname

Ben Affleck has offered rare insights into his relationship with ex-wife Jennifer Lopez and shared how viral internet memes have influenced his daughter's perception of him, leading to a unique nickname. In a recent interview with Variety, Affleck spoke with considerable respect for Lopez, particularly when asked why he felt she might have been "overlooked" in the industry.

"I’m biased. I have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for what she can do," Affleck stated. He reflected on the subjective nature of awards, suggesting that commercial success doesn't always align with his personal taste or the perceived quality of a performance. "What I’ve found with awards is that sometimes the degree of commercial success for things doesn’t always correlate to my taste. It’s a part of this weird, subjective business that people bring a lot of their own stuff to," he explained. Affleck, a two-time Oscar winner himself, mused that awards are simply the result of a collective vote and not an absolute measure of merit.

The pair, who rekindled their romance in 2021 after an initial separation in 2004, married in July 2022. They co-worked on the film "Kiss of the Spider Woman," which premiered last year, seven months after their divorce was finalized. Despite their past, they have maintained an amicable relationship, appearing together at the film's New York premiere.

Beyond his professional life, Affleck also touched upon his public image, particularly the numerous internet memes that have circulated featuring him in various candid moments. These viral images, including one of him looking pensive while smoking and another of him dropping a Dunkin' delivery, have led his eldest daughter to affectionately dub him "the beleaguered man."

"You have to have a sense of humor and be in on the joke with people. Like how I became a meme for 'the beleaguered man,' as my daughter calls it," Affleck told Variety. He recounted the well-known "smoking Ben" meme from 2016, noting that the image captured his genuine feelings at the time. "That’s how I was feeling. Does anyone have any idea what I had to deal with by 11 a.m. that morning? All of us have moments — you’ve got to be willing to let your guard down about it. It’s about fairness."

Affleck's comments come after a difficult period in his personal life, marked by the recent deaths of both his parents. His mother, Chris Affleck, passed away in June following a battle with pancreatic cancer, and his father died earlier this year. He shared his reflections on grief, noting the comfort in understanding the natural progression of life but acknowledging the profound impact of loss. He also spoke with admiration for his mother's resilience and proactive approach to her final months, highlighting her commitment to family and friends.

In related news, Affleck co-founded Artists Equity, a production company aimed at reimagining the traditional Hollywood model by sharing revenues and profits with creators and crew members. The company's name reflects Affleck's commitment to artist-driven production and equitable practices in the industry.