Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, 2009 | Jennifer Lopez and Violet Affleck, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
When rumors about Ben Affleck's affair with their nanny surfaced, he and Jennifer Garner were already separated. Jennifer Garner revealed that the scandal affected her children.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are two of the most talented celebrities who have enjoyed stellar careers in the movie industry. They have featured together in various productions. However, their relationship goes beyond sharing a movie set.
The Hollywood icons were married! Their marriage lasted ten years and yielded three children — Violet, Samuel, and Seraphina. While they were married, the former couple were head over heels in love.
Ben Affleck at the premiere of "The Accountant" at TCL Chinese Theatre on October 10, 2016, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
During interviews, they often serenaded one another with kind words and expected to stay married forever. However, a cheating scandal put a rift between the duo, and they called it quits. Here are facts about the ex-couples union and their children.
Ben and Jennifer Garner's Relationship
Affleck and Garner first met on the set of the 2000 film "Pearl Harbor" but did not become a couple until a few years later due to being in different relationships. The actress was married to Scott Foley, whereas Affleck was engaged to Jennifer Lopez.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner attend the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter on March 2, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
In 2003, Garner filed for divorce from Foley, citing irreconcilable differences. A year later, the "Gone Girl" actor called off his engagement and, months later, pursued a relationship with Jennifer Garner. The couple clarified that they were in love and appeared in public several times.
In 2005, Affleck proposed to Garner, and they tied the knot. The pair publicly voiced their love and appreciation for each other in the following years. The mother-of-three once called Affleck the love of her life.
She also noted that although he was complicated, he was the most charismatic, generous, and brilliant person in the room. The former lovebirds would visit each other on set and publicly show affection for years.
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck arrive at the Oscars at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 24, 2013 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
In 2011, Garner told Instyle that she and Affleck knew their achievements would be impossible without mutual assistance. Similarly, the father of three would praise his ex-wife in several interviews and stages, crediting her as his strength, along with their children, until something changed their lives for good.
The Nanny Scandal/Divorce
In 2015, everything changed when their nanny, Christine Ouzuonian, entered the picture. It was reported that the nanny allegedly tipped off the media so she could stage a sighting of her and the actor together.
Affleck and Garner have since put their differences aside and become friends despite their history.
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are seen in Brentwood on June 10, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Not long after, Affleck and Garner sent shock waves worldwide when they publicly announced they were getting divorced. The surprising news became public a day after their tenth wedding anniversary.
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck during the private screening of "Daredevil" at Planet Hollywood in New York, New York, United States. | Source: Getty Images
The mother of three claimed that they had already been separated months before the nanny issue. However, many believed that Affleck's alleged affair was the cause of the divorce. The former couple's nanny went on to find fame.
What Happened to Christine Ouzuonian after the Scandal Broke?
After the Affleck infidelity rumors, Ouzuonian quickly became infamous for being caught in a scandal with high-profile celebrities. While some would step back from all the cameras, the nanny did quite the opposite.
Once the story began to die, she reportedly started publishing new photos and exposed herself to the media. According to a source from E! Online, Ouzuonian hoped to end up with Affleck and appeared unbothered about everything. She dined at a well-known restaurant, usually flocked by paparazzi, and sat at a table outside with an eyewitness saying:
"She was laughing very loudly and kept flicking her hair while she gossiped with her friends... she would stop talking so she could check her reflection in the outside window. She would then take a selfie."
The eyewitness further stated: "In between the picture-taking and laughing, she would toast her wine glass." After being the center of a scandal, finding a job as a nanny proved difficult for Ouzuonian. Sadly, not only Garner and Affleck suffered from the cheating rumors.
How Did the Scandal Affect Garner and Affleck's Children?
Affleck and Garner's marriage may have ended due to the cheating scandal. However, the former revealed that the scandal affected her children's lives. The actress explained that her children had to deal with the sudden disappearance of their nanny, which was not a great experience, stating:
"I have had to have conversations [with my children] about the meaning of 'scandal.'"
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner with their children on August 11, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Garner temporarily moved into Violet's room to cope with the mental stress, and the pair were happy to have each other. On the other hand, Affleck sought to become a better man as he struggled with alcohol abuse, and he went for treatments, often checking into rehabilitation centers.
The actor's battle with liquor had its ups and downs, including a relapse caught on camera. However, he was determined to overcome his addiction and become a better father to his children.
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are seen on February 27, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Although the "Batman" actor has made many mistakes and regrets many of his actions, he still considers his separation from Garner his biggest regret. After finalizing their divorce in 2018, he said he still felt guilty, adding:
"The biggest regret of my life is this divorce."
The main thing the former lovers had to focus on throughout was the well-being of their children. Garner and Affleck agreed to continue raising their children together.
Ben Affleck on Co-parenting
Affleck and Garner have since put their differences aside and become friends despite their history. The actress supported her ex-husband in his battle with alcoholism, and they co-parent their children peacefully.
Ben Affleck and his daughters, Violet and Seraphina Affleck, are seen leaving the park on December 08, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Affleck believes it is essential for a child to be raised by both parents. He reportedly mentioned that being a good father was the most important thing. Not spending enough time with his father while growing up prompted his decision to be there for his children.
The Hollywood icon loves spending time with his children, especially during Christmas. He once relayed that watching his children experience the hope that Santa Claus would bring them presents was beautiful.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck at the 75th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater on March 23, 2003, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Ben Affleck is a wonderful father with the support and admiration of his previous wife and the respect of his current wife, Jennifer Lopez. The actor's musician wife said:
"I couldn't have more respect for Ben as a father, a co-parent, and a person."
It is quite commendable to see that Affleck did not allow his past mistakes to affect his love life, friendships, and relationships with his children. Luckily, Lopez has made a great effort to be a good stepmother to her husband's children.
Jennifer Lopez's Relationship with Her Stepchildren
On July 4, 2023, JLo showed how much she is bonding with Affleck's children by attending an event with his daughter, Violet. The newly married couple took the 17-year-old to Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin's White Party.
Jennifer Lopez and Violet Affleck seen at a restaurant near the Louvre Museum on July 24, 2022, in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
Not long before, in May 2023, the singer joined her husband and their blended family to see Seraphina's school play in Los Angeles. In the past, Emme — Lopez's twin child — and Seraphina bonded while walking Los Angeles's streets, creating a close friendship.
Seraphina Affleck and Emme Anthony seen at a Sephora store on July 25, 2022, in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
The songstress was also on hand in June 2022, when Affleck took his son, Samuel, then 10, to a luxury car rental dealership in Beverly Hills. The actor allowed his son to get into the driver's seat of a Lamborghini before the boy accidentally reversed the car into a parked BMW.
Violet Affleck, Ben Affleck, and Jennifer Lopez seen leaving their hotel on July 23, 2022, in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
During May 2023's "Live With Kelly and Mark" interview, Affleck's wife confessed that she almost had five teenagers in her household. The star hilariously admits that having teenagers is "tough" and "challenging," with the children going through a stage where they don't want you in their rooms!
At the beginning of the year, Lopez revealed that she and Affleck's children had moved in together. She said the transition had been emotional, with the icing being that all her dreams had come true, with the year being fantastic since her children were born.
Jennifer Lopez takes a cruise on the River Seine with some of her and Ben Affleck's children, Seraphina Affleck and Emme Muniz, on July 23, 2022, in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
Affleck's wife was credited for making his relationship with his ex-wife better. A source close to Lopez and her husband claims there's no ill will between the couple and Garner, with the singer supporting the former lovers "happy co-parenting" stage.
Instead, the insider alleged that the musician was responsible for the former partner's finding peace with each other. Affleck is healthy, and his past drama and emotions from divorcing Garner are allegedly "long gone," with them focusing on making things work.
Lopez is reportedly "friendly" with her stepchildren's mother, and their children love one another. So far, things are going well, and the source predicted they would remain the same.
ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jmtvbm9obnqjsc1mmJ%2BenJqwrL%2BMnq9mr5mbsm62xKelop6Vp3qordGnnKtloprDb7TTpqM%3D