Ben Affleck reveals how his kids reacted after he shared their hilarious trolling story
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ben Affleck revealed how his kids reacted after he shared their trolling story, while opening up about his relationship with his children and his approach to romance.
Affleck also revealed that dating is not currently a major priority as he focuses on his children and work. The filmmaker described his current life as a “good place” while remaining open to whatever adventures may come next.
Ben Affleck’s children tease him about his relationships
Affleck, who shares Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 14, with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, recently shared an amusing anecdote about his middle child trolling him about his failed relationships. During the premiere of his new movie 'Animals' on October 1, Affleck said that his children had recently “clowned” him over the story.
“Actually, today, they clowned me about, like, ‘Why'd you say that was me?’” he said. He recalled responding, “No, I didn't say that,” before his child pointed out, “You said how old I was. How many kids do you have that age?” Affleck acknowledged that they were “kind of right about that.”
The 54-year-old actor previously shared that the story involved his 17-year-old responding to his romantic advice by asking, “Oh, like you’re the expert on relationships?” Affleck emphasized that he considered the incident a compliment because his child was funny and smart.
“I was like, ‘Well, it was funny, though. My point was, you're funny, actually,’” he explained and added, “It's that thing where they take the piss out of you, but also it's funny, so you're kind of proud. Like, yeah, they put me down, but they're smart.”
Affleck also said being a father is his favorite role. “I love it. The joy of life is being with children as they grow. Watching them change and become adults—it's incredible.”
Ben Affleck puts his children ahead of romance
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight at the October 2 Los Angeles premiere of 'Animals,' Affleck indicated that romance is not “a big priority in my life” at the moment. He said, “I work a lot and I see my kids. There’s not a lot of room outside of that and his work. I’m not running around.”
Affleck and Jennifer Lopez finalized their divorce in January 2025 after two years of marriage and a previous engagement. He was previously married to Garner from 2005 until their divorce was finalized in 2018.
Calling his current era “a good place,” Affleck said, “I’m good and I’m happy. I know what my priorities are. You can’t have two things that are the most important in your life. For me that’s the kids.”
He added, “And then I have my work, which I love. And, you know, I’m where I’m at and I’m great. Who knows what adventures life will bring? I’m open to it but I’m not trying to chase anything.”
Affleck previously discussed his children’s jokes about his love life during a September 24 appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!.' He said his children talk about their friends, drama and relationships at dinner, prompting him to share lessons from his own experiences.
