Jennifer Garner Omits Ben Affleck from Japan Instagram Post Despite Reports of Their Joint Trip
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were once the golden couple of Hollywood, celebrated for their on-screen chemistry and seemingly perfect marriage.
The pair tied the knot in 2005, but after a decade together, they announced their separation in 2015, finalizing their divorce three years later in 2018.
Despite their split, Affleck and Garner have maintained a close relationship, primarily for the sake of their three children: Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12.
Fast forward to 2024, and the exes continue to make headlines, not just for their parenting skills but also for their rumored personal interactions, particularly regarding Affleck’s marriage to Jennifer Lopez.
In August 2024, reports emerged that Garner and Affleck took a family trip to Japan, showcasing their ongoing commitment to co-parenting.
A source close to Affleck described their relationship as the “epitome of good co-parenting,” emphasizing that despite their divorce, the two remain “best friend exes.”
This trip was seen as another example of their united front in raising their children and maintaining a strong, friendly bond.
Garner, who is known for sharing glimpses of her life on social media, documented the trip to Japan on her Instagram. She posted 15 pictures and video clips capturing the essence of their travels.
In the caption, Garner described the trip as a “dream trip to Japan” and included a to-do list featuring items like “always find a boat,” “visit every temple and shrine, bow clap pray. But first: purify,” and “honor the life forces that feed us.”
Her post painted a vivid picture of the trip, with images of her smiling on a boat with a glass of wine, washing her hands before entering a temple, exploring Tokyo’s bustling streets, visiting local oyster farmers, savoring delicious ramen, and even capturing a snapshot of a Deadpool & Wolverine movie poster.
However, what caught the attention of fans and media alike was the noticeable absence of Ben Affleck from any of the photos or videos.
Despite reports that Affleck was on the trip with Garner and their children, he did not appear in her social media posts.
This omission fueled speculation about the current state of their relationship and whether Garner is intentionally keeping certain aspects of her life, particularly her interactions with Affleck, private or out of the public eye.
This isn’t the first time Garner and Affleck have been in the spotlight together recently. On August 15, 2024, Affleck celebrated his 52nd birthday, opting for a low-key celebration at home with his children.
According to a source who spoke to People, Affleck’s preference for a quiet, intimate gathering was reflective of his desire to stay out of the limelight, especially given the ongoing media attention surrounding his marital issues with Jennifer Lopez.
“It’s exactly what he wanted,” the source said. “He didn’t want to go out to celebrate. The kids had gifts for him, and it was cute. Jennifer [Lopez] stopped by to congratulate him.”
Interestingly, before Lopez arrived at Affleck’s Los Angeles home, Jennifer Garner had already visited him to wish him a happy birthday.
Garner’s visit, combined with recent sightings of the exes together, has led to widespread speculation that Garner has been a source of emotional support for Affleck amid his challenges with Lopez.
Insiders suggest that Affleck has confided in Garner regarding his marital issues, leading some to wonder about the nature of their relationship and whether it goes beyond co-parenting.
However, it appears that Garner may have recently set new boundaries with her ex-husband.
According to a source who spoke to DailyMail.com, Garner initially supported Affleck through his struggles, but over time, the situation became increasingly difficult for her to handle.
“Jen eventually got to a place where she was like, ‘Sorry, figure this out yourself,’” the insider revealed. “It was beginning to become too painful for her because it was bringing back so many memories of their divorce.”
The source added that Garner’s decision to distance herself from Affleck’s marital problems may also have been influenced by her relationship with her boyfriend, John Miller.
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Miller reportedly doesn’t want Garner to “hyper-focus” on her ex-husband’s issues, particularly when it starts to affect her own emotional well-being.
“John respects Jen’s commitment to co-parenting and understands her relationship with Ben, but he also wants her to prioritize her own happiness and emotional health,” the source explained.
Garner’s recent actions—omitting Affleck from her social media posts and establishing boundaries regarding discussions about Jennifer Lopez—seem to reflect a shift in her approach to her relationship with Affleck.
While she remains a dedicated co-parent and values their friendship, it’s clear that Garner is also focused on protecting her own emotional health and setting limits on how much she involves herself in Affleck’s personal life.
As the dynamics between Garner, Affleck, and Lopez continue to unfold, it’s evident that Garner is navigating this complex situation with a renewed focus on her own needs and happiness.
Whether this marks a new chapter in her relationship with Affleck or simply a recalibration of their friendship, Garner’s actions suggest she is determined to find a balance that works for her while continuing to prioritize her children and her own well-being.
