Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck may have divorced years ago, but their enduring bond continues to captivate fans—and stir controversy. Over Father’s Day weekend, the 13 Going on 30 star posted a heartfelt message to Affleck that quickly set social media ablaze with speculation and criticism.
The 53-year-old actress honored Affleck, her former husband and the father of her three children, with a touching Instagram Story tribute. “Happy Father’s Day to 3 people’s favorite landing spot,” Garner wrote, accompanying the message with a never-before-seen photo of Affleck lying on a couch, cradling a newborn against his chest.
The tribute, though seemingly affectionate and family-oriented, drew swift reaction online. Many commenters questioned the appropriateness of Garner publicly praising her ex-husband while reportedly in a relationship with someone else.
“You congratulate your ex and don’t congratulate your boyfriend? @jennifer.garner You’ll never move on? And you don’t respect your boyfriend…” one user commented, expressing frustration over what they perceived as mixed emotional signals.
Another critic wrote, “We know that you just want to get back with your ex since you damaged his marriage.” “SHAMELESS,” a third chimed in, accusing Garner of contributing to the reported recent split between Affleck and Jennifer Lopez.
Despite the backlash, others rushed to Garner’s defense. One fan wrote, “She clearly keeps her relationship off of social media, probably because of people like you who can’t mind their own business. Please go touch some grass.”
This isn’t the first time rumors of a rekindled romance between Garner and Affleck have circulated. Similar speculation arose last year when Affleck was seen spending both Christmas and Thanksgiving with Garner and their children.
Garner and Affleck, who married in 2005 and officially divorced in 2018, share three children: Violet, 19, Seraphina, 16, and Samuel, 13. Despite their split, the pair has consistently demonstrated a cooperative and supportive co-parenting relationship, often attending family events and spending holidays together.
Though Garner has generally maintained a low profile regarding her personal relationships, any public interaction with Affleck seems to draw intense scrutiny, particularly in light of his high-profile marriage—and now, rumored separation—from Lopez.
While Garner’s Father’s Day message may have been a heartfelt nod to a co-parent, for fans and followers, it reignited questions, assumptions, and debates about where personal boundaries begin—and where public fascination ends.