Jennifer Garner calls out ‘hungry’ paparazzi who knocked over kids to get photos with Ben Affleck

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jennifer Garner recently appeared on the 'Shut Up Evan' podcast and opened up about how she navigated intense paparazzi attention while raising three children. Speaking during the interview, she also shared how it led to advocacy for stronger legal protections. 

The actress further reflected on the dangers photographers created for her family and others around them. She also addressed how life has changed now that the children are older and she has established a positive co-parenting relationship with ex-husband Ben Affleck.

Jennifer Garner recalls dangerous paparazzi attention that led to California law

During an appearance on the podcast, Garner recalled how she joined Halle Berry to advocate for new California laws protecting children from photographers back in 2013. The two actresses testified before the California State Assembly Committee on Public Safety, and the law was later passed.

Remembering the extent of the paparazzi frenzy, Garner said, “If I went through a yellow light, 15 cars would go through the red behind me. They would drive up onto people’s lawns, even on a hillside. We were trying to have our little one play soccer, and the association asked us to stop because there were 20 cars coming."

She further said, "So it wasn’t just about us. It was just an industry that had gotten out of control.”

Garner also described how photographers made routine moments with her children difficult, “If you show up and you’re trying to get into the pediatrician and you have a sick kid on your shoulder. You’re scared and you can’t get into the door because you’re blocked by photographers, there’s something wrong with that, and the kids are paying the price.”

The actress recalled seeing children “getting knocked over coming out of preschool by photographers who were so hungry to get at me or Ben Affleck.” Although she lived in a neighborhood with many celebrities, Garner said photographers focused on her because she “had the kids.”

When asked whether things improved, Garner revealed that two photographers have continued following her for “20 plus years,” adding that they have developed an “odd respect for each other. Like, there’s kind of a Stockholm syndrome thing. And at the same time, I’ve called the cops on him a million times and been like, ‘Can you please just give me a walk around the block with my kids and my dog?’”

Jennifer Garner praises Ben Affleck as an 'incredible' co-parent

Looking back, Garner acknowledged that her family was privileged and grateful for the opportunities their Hollywood careers provided, but said the situation “got silly.” Before the law was passed, she described it as “totally ludicrous” and said it posed a danger not only to her family but to everyone around them.

She also noted that photographers “wouldn’t follow Ben. They wouldn’t follow Matt Damon,” but continued following her because she had the children. Garner has previously spoken positively about Affleck as they continue co-parenting their three children after finalizing their divorce in October 2018, following their June 2015 separation after 10 years of marriage.

Garner reflected on balancing motherhood and work, “There is a time in your life where you do get caught in all of that. And that’s okay. That’s a season. And it’s a beautiful thing. I wouldn’t trade a minute of it.”

While acknowledging she had “absolutely” been consumed by raising their three children, she said life looks different now adding, “My kids are a little bigger [now],” she said. “Their dad — ex-husband [Affleck] — has become this incredible co-parent."

She further said, "And I have this unbelievable [business] partner who produces with me things that we control and are able to help keep in L.A.... I love making movies anywhere, but I really want to make movies at home.”

Garner explained that when the children were younger, she would not spend extended periods away from home without bringing them along. “Now they’re in high school, you can’t really do that anymore,” she said adding, “But they can stay with their dad. He’s wonderful. He takes care of them. He’s a great partner in that way. And that’s very freeing.”