Batman? No Ben Affleck
As one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, one of the few actor/director/writers who can get any project green lit, it was shocking to hear that he had checked into rehab. The announcement was made very recently and came on the heels of the announcement that he and his wife, actress Jennifer Garner, would be agreeing to go their separate ways.
Affleck made the voluntary agreement to head to rehab, so that he could get his alcohol addiction under control. His publicist spoke out about Affleck’s self-awareness and desire to get his affairs in order. The newest Batman is spending his rehabilitation stay at the famed Promises facility in Malibu.
This is the same facility where Robert Downey Jr also obtained the treatment he needed to get his life back on the right track. In Affleck’s case, the combination of his divorce and infidelity rumors caused him to succumb to the temptations of alcohol. He and Garner announced their divorce after ten years of marriage, as the allegations of Affleck’s infidelity became public.
It has been said that Garner was one of the driving forces behind the decision to check into Promises, as she had become increasingly concerned with Ben’s erratic behaviors. Affleck has a long, protracted battle with alcoholism and recent events have caused this battle to rear its ugly head.
Garner reportedly urged Affleck to enter rehab, for the sake of the couple’s three children, all of whom are age ten and under. Affleck has already been to rehab, back in 2001 (also at Promises), and it was thought that he had his demons under control. His father also famously struggled with alcohol, but was able to beat his addiction and become a rehab counselor.
It is no secret that Affleck has long struggled with a dependency on alcohol, as a viral clip from 2004 shows him making lewd remarks to Anne-Marie Losique, a TV host who was interviewing him. He spoke openly about her cleavage and made jokes about how her “rack was on display”, unbecoming behavior for a man in his position.
Luckily, Affleck has decided to put a stop to his alcohol abuse before it causes any further damage to his personal life, fathering ability and overall reputation. Even though his career has never been hotter, he is taking it upon himself to fix these issues and receive professional help for his drinking.
With numerous allegations swirling about his personal conduct, Affleck’s decision to put his career on pause and handle his personal demons is commendable. Only time will tell whether Affleck is finally able to make his alcoholism a thing of the past. This is the right choice for his career, his family and his personal well-being.
