Ben Affleck, once again, finds himself at the center of controversy after a public display of questionable etiquette during a weekend outing with his 13-year-old son, Samuel. The 52-year-old Hollywood star was spotted enjoying a casual stroll in Los Angeles, but what should have been a sweet father-son moment quickly turned into an internet talking point.
The actor, known for his rugged charm and tumultuous love life, was seen forcefully spitting out a large mass of saliva—an act commonly referred to as "hawking a loogie." Though he took care to turn his head in the opposite direction to ensure his son wasn’t affected, the sight of a Hollywood A-lister engaging in such an uncouth act in public left many unimpressed.
Critics were quick to call out the behavior, arguing that it was both unsanitary and inappropriate for someone constantly under media scrutiny.
This incident comes at a time when Affleck is making headlines for his interactions with ex-wife Jennifer Garner. Just a week prior, the former couple set social media ablaze with their affectionate display, leading many to speculate about a potential rekindling of their romance.
Their chemistry, undeniable even after years of separation, fueled rumors that the two might be considering giving their relationship another shot.
However, sources close to Garner suggest that she remains hesitant about revisiting the past with Affleck. While their recent moments of closeness have stirred excitement among fans, insiders indicate that the actress is being cautious.
Despite their improved co-parenting dynamic and Affleck’s efforts to be a more present father, Jennifer is reportedly weighing the pros and cons of a reconciliation.
One major concern on Garner’s mind is Affleck’s unpredictable public behavior. While spitting on a sidewalk might not be a dealbreaker in everyday life, for someone in the public eye like Affleck, it signals a larger issue—his tendency to attract negative attention.
Jennifer, known for her polished and wholesome image, has always valued stability and discretion. The last thing she wants is to become entangled in unnecessary controversies that could affect their children.
Additionally, Affleck’s fashion choices on his recent outing further emphasized the contrast between his down-to-earth demeanor and his A-list status. While he opted for a casual look—pairing a grey zip-up sweater with a plain white T-shirt and jeans—his choice of footwear spoke volumes.
The actor completed his look with a pair of navy-colored Brunello Cucinelli leather alpine hiking boots, a luxury item retailing for $1,695. This seemingly small detail did not go unnoticed, as it highlighted the contradiction between his rugged, unbothered public persona and the reality of his high-profile lifestyle.
Garner’s reluctance to rush back into Affleck’s arms is understandable. Their relationship, which ended in divorce in 2018 after 13 years of marriage, was marked by highs and lows, including Affleck’s struggles with addiction and his highly publicized rebound relationships.
Though they have worked hard to maintain a strong co-parenting relationship, Jennifer reportedly remains wary of diving back into a romantic relationship with her ex.
For now, it seems that Garner is prioritizing her personal peace and her children’s well-being over any potential rekindling of romance. Affleck, on the other hand, continues to navigate the complexities of his public image while spending quality time with his kids.
As for the latest controversy, some fans have come to the actor’s defense, arguing that spitting is a natural human function and shouldn’t be blown out of proportion. Others, however, believe that public figures like Affleck should be more mindful of their behavior, especially in an era where social media amplifies every minor misstep.
Regardless of where people stand on the matter, one thing is clear: Ben Affleck continues to make headlines, whether through his romantic life, his parenting moments, or his unfiltered public actions. And as Jennifer Garner carefully weighs her options, it remains to be seen whether their story will take a new turn or if their recent closeness was simply a fleeting moment in time.