Ben’s new romance devastates Jen
His actions and his words are telling very different stories
It’s always hard seeing your ex move on – especially if it’s with Hollywood’s latest star, who is 16 years your junior and happens to be the next Bond girl. So, spare a thought for Jennifer Garner, who – along with the rest of the world – learnt about exhusband Ben Affleck’s burgeoning relationship with co-star Ana de Armas last week, after the pair were spotted on romantic trips to Cuba and Costa Rica.
That in itself would be enough to upset any ex-wife, but Jen’s got extra reason to be feeling put out. After all, it’s only been weeks since Ben, 47, described their divorce as “the biggest regret of my life” in a highly personal interview. According to insiders, Jen feels “used” by her ex, all for the sake of some self-promotion, and is furious that he spoke so candidly about their relationship while secretly dating Ana, 31, who met Ben while filming Deep Water last year. And she’s now decided that enough is enough.
“Jen feels heartbroken and humiliated,” says an insider close to the actress, who has remained Ben’s biggest support throughout his battle with alcoholism, even driving him to rebab two years ago, despite them separating in 2015. “She feels completely used by Ben in order to repair his image and promote his movie. While he was giving all these interviews, saying how much he regretted hurting her, he was having fun with Ana. She just doesn’t think it’s fair that Ben was talking so openly about their relationship when he was with someone . It opened up a lot of old wounds for Jen. It’s never easy to hear about their time together because it dredges up a lot of feelings.”
Up until last week, it seemed like Ben and Jen, 47 – who he married in 2005 – could reunite. The exes spend an enormous amount of time together with their three children, Violet, 14, Seraphina, 11, and seven-year-old
Samuel –and last year he paid tribute to his “wonderful” ex-wife. But last week, he was pictured with Cuban actress Ana cuddling up on a beach in Cosa Rica. According to our source, Jen – who’s been in a relationship with businessman John Miller for two years – is furious, and she’s now decided that it’s time to put her own needs first. “Jen has always found herself cutting Ben some slack for the sake of the children,” we’re told. “But as they start to get older, she feels less and less like protecting him.” ■