Ben Affleck pals fear for his sobriety amid rumored romance with Kick Kennedy after Jennifer Lopez divorce
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ben Affleck's rumored new relationship with Kick Kennedy, daughter of Robert F Kennedy Jr, has sparked concern among his close circle over fears that it could potentially jeopardize his sobriety.
Kennedy, an actress with a history marked by tragedy, was left devastated after the death of her former boyfriend - billionaire banking heir Matthew Mellon, who struggled with drug addiction and died in 2018.
Ben Affleck's rumored romance with Kick Kennedy raises concerns among friends
Kennedy, 36, has reportedly never fully recovered from the trauma of Mellon's death, which occurred just as he was about to check into rehab in Mexico. Insiders fear that the connection to such a painful past could be dangerous for Affleck, who has battled alcohol addiction for years and has worked hard to maintain his sobriety.
A source revealed to RadarOnline that Affleck should be mindful of similar risks, "Matthew's death was a massive shock for Kick, and she's never totally recovered from the trauma."
"Matthew had huge problems with drugs, and Ben's inner circle is now scared him hanging around with a person with a past trauma linked to drugs could lead to his disastrously falling off the wagon."
"Ben has battled for years to kick his drink demons – and they're now scared being with Kick could destroy all his good work."
Sources close to Affleck have expressed concern that being in a relationship with someone who has experienced such trauma linked to substance abuse could be a trigger for the actor, potentially undoing all the progress he has made in his recovery.
"One of the rules of recovery is not to associate with anyone or put yourself in situations that could trigger addicts, and a troubled past linked to a tragic addict's death is definitely one of those cases."
"This blossoming relationship with Kick is a major concern for everyone who loves Ben tremendously and respects all the hard work he has done to get – and remain – clean."
The insider mentioned that Kennedy has known Affleck for years and has claimed they "hooked up" in the past.
Affleck and Kennedy reportedly reconnected before his marriage to Jennifer Lopez in 2022, and their romance is said to have continued after his relationship with Lopez began to deteriorate.
They also mentioned that she was familiar with the 'Gone Girl' actor during his time in a luxury rehab facility in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, back in 2018, where he sought treatment for alcohol addiction - the same area where Matthew Perry resided before his death linked to ketamine.
Kick Kennedy always had a crush on Ben Affleck, source claims
Insiders have revealed that the 36-year-old actress and activist had harbored a crush on the Hollywood star for years. The pair have been spotted together frequently, fueling speculation that their relationship might be blossoming in the wake of Affleck's high-profile split from Jennifer Lopez.
Affleck, 52, who is currently navigating his divorce from Lopez, has been seen spending time with Kick, one of RFK Jr's six children.
Their recent public appearances together have led to widespread rumors that Affleck may be moving on with the Kennedy scion. Sources close to the situation have confirmed that Kennedy has "always" had a thing for the Oscar-winning actor, but the nature of their current relationship remains unclear.
A source disclosed to People, "Kick and Ben have been spending time together, but I'm not sure what's happening."
The source mentioned, "Kick’s celeb crush has always been Ben."
Kennedy, who has made a name for herself as an actress and activist, has largely stayed out of the political spotlight that defines her family's legacy. Known for her lively social life, she has been described as someone who "likes to have a good time."
