Ben Affleck Calls Divorcing Jennifer Garner His “Biggest Regret” – But Is It Too Little, Too Late?

By: Hollywood Insider

In a candid moment that’s bound to stir up both admiration and skepticism, Ben Affleck has openly admitted that divorcing Jennifer Garner is his “biggest regret.” The revelation came during a recent interview where the actor and director discussed his personal life, relationships, and the lessons he’s learned in the years following his high-profile divorce from the Alias star in 2018.

Affleck, known for his roles in Good Will Hunting and The Town, has never been shy about sharing his feelings, but this admission seems to carry an especially heavy weight. “I wish I had stayed married to Jen,” he said, reflecting on the breakdown of their 13-year marriage. “I think she is the greatest person I’ve ever met. I love her. It was the biggest regret of my life to not be able to make that work.”

While his words seem heartfelt, they raise a critical question: Is it too late for this apology to mean anything? And more importantly, does Jennifer Garner even need—or want—his regret?

A Love Lost, and a Love Reborn

Affleck and Garner, who share three children—Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel—were once Hollywood’s golden couple, admired for their down-to-earth personalities and their seemingly perfect family life. They wed in 2005 and remained a fixture in the public eye until their separation in 2015, followed by their eventual divorce three years later. The split was largely amicable, with both stars citing the challenges of balancing their careers with raising a family.

But in the years since, Affleck has gone through a very public transformation. From his struggles with addiction to his on-again, off-again relationship with actress Ana de Armas, it has been a rocky road for the Batman v Superman star. And during that time, Affleck’s reflections on his past—especially his marriage to Garner—have become increasingly poignant.

In the past, he’s alluded to the difficulties of their marriage, explaining that his struggles with substance abuse and the pressures of fame took a toll on the relationship. Yet, in this recent interview, his tone shifted to one of regret, even suggesting that he “couldn’t be happier” for Garner, who has since moved on and built a new life.

Garner’s Quiet Strength: Moving On Without the Apology

But while Affleck has been vocal about his regret, Jennifer Garner has remained remarkably private about their divorce. In fact, she’s built a life for herself that seems to thrive in a space away from public drama. Garner has embraced her career with new vigor, focusing on projects like Yes Day and her ventures with the organic food brand Once Upon a Farm, all while raising their children in a relatively quiet, stable environment.

To the public, Garner appears to have moved on—perhaps more fully than Affleck, whose history of relapsing into old habits has often been highlighted in the tabloids. While Affleck’s regret may be sincere, it begs the question: does Garner need his apology, or is she already past it? Given how well she’s handled her personal and professional life since their split, it’s fair to wonder if Affleck’s regrets are just another chapter in a book she closed long ago.

One source close to the actress told Hollywood Insider that Garner “has nothing but love for Ben,” but that she’s also firmly in a place where her focus is on her kids and her own happiness. “Jennifer’s moved on. She’s been an incredible co-parent and has built a new life for herself. She doesn’t need his regrets or any public validation.”

The Timing of Regret: Is It About Closure, or PR?

The timing of Affleck’s regret also raises questions. Is this a genuine moment of self-reflection, or is it a calculated attempt to win back some public sympathy? After all, Affleck’s personal life has been a constant subject of media scrutiny, and he’s often been the subject of tabloid headlines. Now, with his remarriage to Jennifer Lopez in the rearview mirror, this admission about Garner may be seen by some as part of his ongoing journey to present himself as a more thoughtful, introspective figure.

“It’s always convenient when a public figure expresses regret after they’ve already moved on,” said pop culture analyst Sara Greene. “Affleck’s statement, while likely sincere, comes at a time when he’s reestablishing his image. It feels like a bit of a PR moment as much as it is a personal reflection.”

For Garner, this kind of public acknowledgment from Affleck might bring some closure—but then again, she’s already living her best life without it. “She doesn’t need a public declaration of regret,” the insider added. “She’s far beyond needing Ben’s approval or apology to validate the great life she’s created for herself and her kids.”