After Thanksgiving, Ben Affleck went solo. The 52-year-old actor conducted errands on Friday in Brentwood, Los Angeles, after the holiday. He looked sad after spending the holiday with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, and their kids amid his divorce from Jennifer Lopez.
As he walked to a nearby shopping mall, he looked chic in a brown button-down over a black shirt with rolled sleeves.
The two-time Oscar winner, who "felt blessed" to spend Thanksgiving with his ex, wore dark gray pants and black sneakers. Ben had short hair, a mature buzz cut, and scruffier facial hair.
Ben went out after spending Thanksgiving with his ex-wife Jen during his divorce from JLo. When they volunteered for Midnight Mission on Thanksgiving, he looked comfy with the "Elektra" star, his wife from 2005 to 2018 and mother of three, according to the Daily Mail.
Ben and Jen were observed conversing and growing close on Thursday while helping the non-profit group feed 2,000 homeless people in downtown Los Angeles. They had family meals at home with Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12.
A source told Page Six that Ben "felt blessed" to spend Thanksgiving with his ex-wife and children and "can just be himself" with Jen.
The insider said that despite being separated for a long time, Ben feels comfortable with Jen.
"Ben has a strong relationship with Jen that will never dissipate because they have a lot of history together and she's the mother of his kids." After their split, Ben and Jen have spent additional Thanksgiving holidays together, the insider said.
"They'll always be close because they share children together and maintain a friendly co-parenting relationship," the insider added.
On Thursday, Ben volunteered for Midnight Mission alongside Jen and their children, who were in good spirits.
While on vacation, the duo served special meals to the needy in matching "I Heart the Midnight Mission" aprons.
The two stars stood close together throughout the outing, and Ben whispered into Jen's ear with a smile.
Body language specialist Judi James told DailyMail. Ben's "demeanor suggests he is where he wants to be, without any pressure to perform as an A-lister."
"His smile registers a fun, playful approach and at one point he whispers in Jen's ear in an act of intimacy," James added. "Ben is in pure alpha mode here, standing with arms folded and head cocked, looking immersed in the event, in contrast to his rather disconnected public signals with J-Lo."
The internet promptly reacted to Ben's Thanksgiving reunion with Jen and his alone excursion in Brentwood.
"Ben looks genuinely happy around Jen and the kids. Maybe they should give it another shot?" one fan said.
"This is so messy. He's still married to JLo. Stay focused, Ben!" a second netizen said.
"Thanksgiving volunteering with the ex-wife? That's co-parenting goals right there," a third chimed in.
"Whispering in Garner's ear while divorcing JLo? What's going on, Ben?" a fourth netizen wrote.
"Garner is the epitome of grace. No wonder Ben gravitates toward her," another fan said.
"Solo outing after family time with the ex? Something doesn't add up," a netizen wrote.
Business Times has reached out to Ben Affleck for comments.
