Jennifer Garner’s Daughter Seraphina, 14, Mocked for Holding Hands with J Lo’s Kid — A Close Look At Their PDA
- Jennifer Garner's rarely-seen daughter, Seraphina Affleck, who rocks a short haircut and is the spitting image of her father, is now 14.
- Seraphina was reportedly criticized for holding hands with Jennifer Lopez's 15-year-old non-binary daughter, Emme Muniz, and dressing "like a boy."
- Nevertheless, the girls continue building a strong bond, evident in their adorable photos.
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are well-known for being parents who take pride in their children and value their privacy. The "Elektra" actress and the "Jersey Girl" actor parted ways in 2015 after a decade of marriage, finalizing their divorce three years later. They lovingly co-parent their three kids—two daughters and a son.
Besides Affleck's marriage to Garner, which lasted from 2005 to 2018, his current wife, Jennifer Lopez, was married to Marc Anthony from 2004 until 2014. The pair welcomed twins—a boy and a girl—in 2008.
Actress Jennifer Garner and actor-director Ben Affleck arrive at the Oscars at Hollywood & Highland Center, on February 24, 2013, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Lopez and Affleck, famously known as "Bennifer" by fans, were previously engaged from 2002 to 2004. In early 2021, the former lovers reconnected shortly after the "Ain't Your Mama" singer called off her engagement to Alex Rodriguez.
Sources reported that the teenagers' quick bonding was likely facilitated due to their strikingly similar styling sense and being only a year apart in age.
After a surprise romantic proposal where Affleck went down on one knee with a green diamond ring while Lopez was in the bathtub, the duo tied the knot on July 16, 2022, in Las Vegas, in an impromptu ceremony.
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are seen on June 02, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In an interview in November 2022, J-Lo shed light on the dynamics of her blended family with her husband, discussing their co-parenting equation with Affleck's ex-spouse, Garner. The two Jennifers are said to be on cordial terms.
The "On The Floor" singer called the "Yes Day" actress an excellent co-parent, saying Affleck and Garner worked incredibly well together. She acknowledged the importance of handling the transition in their blended family with care, given the complex emotions involved, mainly with teenage kids.
At the same time, Lopez sounded content with how brilliantly things were moving forward for her, Affleck, and Garner. The "Adrenalina" singer strongly desired to create a family environment where Affleck's children viewed her as their friend, and her own kids saw him in the same light.
The actress believed that her and Affleck's perspectives would offer valuable insights, enabling her to navigate parenting challenges effectively. Lopez shared that she and the "Gone Girl" alum had made incredible efforts to blend their households since marriage.
As a mother, she aimed to polish her kids' individuality while teaching them to be strong and self-reliant. J-Lo's views excellently encapsulated her great co-parenting relationship with Affleck and Garner, highlighting their unswerving commitment to ensuring their kids' well-being.
Jennifer Lopez and Violet Affleck are seen at a restaurant near the Louvre Museum, on July 24, 2022, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
In another interview in May 2023, J-Lo opened up about the heartwarming bond between her husband and her kids. She shared that her children admired their stepdad, expressing gratitude for the sweet connection her teenage twins had forged with Affleck since their nine-month-long marriage.
The songstress described her husband as a fantastic dad and father figure to her kids, highlighting his affection toward his three lovely children from his previous marriage. Lopez commended Affleck for overcoming the challenges of being a step-parent and discussed her kids' profound love for him.
The "I'm Real" singer appreciated her husband's dedication to fostering strong bonds with her children while emphasizing how much they adored him and how she felt witnessing the environment of genuine love in her home every day.
On another occasion in 2023, the mother of twins praised Affleck for handling fatherhood excellently, noting that he had extensively educated himself on the parenting subject.
Furthermore, J-Lo revealed that their families had recently merged and started living together, saying she and Affleck were co-parenting five children. Despite the emotional transition of combining their households, Lopez expressed delight about seeing her dreams come to fruition.
Violet Affleck, Ben Affleck, and Jennifer Lopez are seen leaving their hotel, on July 23, 2022, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Besides J-Lo's adoration for Garner and their newfound co-parenting dynamics, the latter also expressed happiness for her former husband and his rekindled romance with the "Same Girl" singer. In an interview in 2021, the "13 Going on 30" actress sounded content, saying both families were getting along well.
Sources reported that Affleck and Lopez's families worked on establishing a positive connection while being cautious in integrating their households. They shed light on the "Selena" alum's happiness with Affleck, emphasizing his laid-back attitude, humor, and tenderness without competition regarding their fame or careers.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck (not pictured) take a cruise on the River Seine along with some of their children, Seraphina Affleck, and Emme Muniz, on July 23, 2022, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
According to J-Lo, there are five children in her newly-blended household, with the youngest being a pre-teen. With Bennifer reunited for the best, let's look at their beautiful family, starting with Lopez's kids from her marriage to Anthony.
On February 22, 2008, the "Shotgun Wedding" star welcomed her twins, a son named Maximilian "Max" David Muñiz, and a daughter, Emme Maribel Muñiz. She said her son Max shared a striking resemblance to his dad, so she called him a "mini-Marc," while Emme was the complete opposite of Max and a mini-Lopez.
On the other hand, Garner and Affleck became parents to their oldest daughter, Violet Affleck, on December 1, 2005. The teenager strongly resembles her mom and possesses similar personality attributes, such as their love for cooking. Violet is said to be a true mommy's girl.
On January 6, 2009, the "Alias" and "Good Will Hunting" stars welcomed their second daughter, Seraphina Rose Elizabeth Affleck. The now-teenager rocks a short haircut and is the spitting image of her father. She is bold, adorable, outgoing, and comparatively more mischievous than her other siblings.
Born on February 27, 2012, Samuel "Sam" Garner Affleck is the third and youngest among the Garner-Affleck kids. Per his dad, he has developed a love for baseball and has displayed impressive skills in the game.
Besides the three Hollywood stars doting on their blended family, they're pictured out and about from time to time. In January 2023, Lopez and Affleck were spotted enjoying a weekend outing with their kids, Seraphina, Samuel, and Emme. Their trip happened just a few hours after J-Lo's ex-spouse, Anthony, wed for a fourth time.
The "Hustlers" actress looked stylish in her light gray fur coat, cropped tee, and jeans, while the "Air" alum appeared snug in a cream-colored sweater with matching jeans and a cozy overcoat. Their kids kept things casual as they walked alongside their parents, having an incredible time.
Ben Affleck and his daughter Seraphina Affleck are seen in Brentwood, on December 23, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Seraphina Affleck Faces Criticism for Her Dress Style & Holding Hands with J-Lo's Daughter
Seven days after welcoming Seraphina, her proud parents, Garner and Affleck, revealed her unique name. After her birth, the former couple's friend, Bradley Cooper, congratulated them on expanding their family and called them perfect parents.
After becoming parents of two, the "Peppermint" actress and "Deep Water" actor made significant changes to strike a work-life balance. When they announced their divorce in 2015, Violet was nine, Seraphina was six, and their son Samuel was only three.
Following their split, the devoted parents embarked on their co-parenting journey, with Affleck calling Garner a superhero mother and her stating that they were entirely in line with their dreams for their children.
Jennifer Garner with her daughters Seraphina Affleck and Violet Affleck on December 16, 2012, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In 2018, Garner and Affleck came together to host Seraphina's ninth birthday party. The celebration was said to be small, with the birthday girl enjoying the cake and receiving several presents from her friends.
Seraphina, who turned 14 in January 2023, seemingly embraced being a part of a larger blended family following her dad's marriage to Lopez. She has been seen spending time with J-Lo's twins, Emme and Max, on many occasions.
Additionally, Seraphina, alongside her siblings Violet and Samuel, joined the twins when their parents wed in an intimate ceremony in L.A. in 2022. Seraphina was also spotted with Sam and Emme at Universal CityWalk in 2021.
Jennifer Garner with her daughter Seraphina Affleck on February 6, 2014, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Seraphina, once the rarely-seen child among the Garner-Affleck brood, has been making headlines since being spotted with her new step-sibling, Emme. The pair have developed a strong connection over time, as seen through their activities, like school drop-offs and holding hands while strolling around downtown L.A.
Sources reported that the teenagers' quick bonding was likely facilitated by their strikingly similar styling sense and being only a year apart in age. Although it was never officially confirmed by the youngsters or their parents, fans believed Emme played a pivotal role in helping Seraphina come to terms with her identity.
Jennifer Garner and her daughter Seraphina Affleck on December 19, 2013, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
After their wedding, Lopez and Affleck were determined to ensure a seamless blending of their families, and the extraordinary friendship between Emme and Seraphina has reportedly brought their parents immense joy.
A source close to Bennifer reported that spending time with all the kids was a natural step, given their commitment to a long-lasting union.
While out for a walk in Paris in July 2022, Seraphina and Emme appeared to be getting along well, as they followed behind the then-newlywed pair, Lopez and Affleck, during the family outing. The duo's post-wedding trip was more of a family moon than a honeymoon.
Jennifer Garner and Seraphina Affleck on December 13, 2013, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Seraphina and Emme were seen laughing on a boat as they cruised down the River Seine. Emme wore a T-shirt, cardigan, and jeans, while Seraphina looked preppy in a collared sweater and blue sacks. Both appeared to be wearing earbuds.
Meanwhile, the "Enough" actress looked gorgeous in a white floral outfit, while her husband donned a blue button-down and dark pants. The couple spent time in Paris with their children after their spontaneous wedding. They were also pictured having dinner with Violet, Emme, and Seraphina.
Ben Affleck and Seraphina Affleck are seen leaving their Hotel, on July 25, 2022, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Seraphina and Emme's friendship hasn't been received well by some members of the online community. Some slammed the youngsters and even commented on Seraphina's dress style.
A YouTuber thought the teenagers' close bond, displayed through their hand-holding and the way they walked resembling their parents, was unusual and saddening for Garner. They said Seraphina's noticeable change since Affleck's relationship with Lopez, coupled with Emme's unique demeanor, was remarkable.
The youngsters were also mocked on other social media platforms, including Twitter. "Look who else drank the Kool-Ade. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's daughter Seraphina is dressed like a boy and is holding hands with her new step-sister Emme, the new non-binary Daughter of J-Lo and Marc Anthony," wrote one user.
"Why Does Ben Affleck's Daughter Seraphina Dresses Like A Boy [sic]?" wondered another Twitterati. Despite the criticism, the pair have reportedly been going strong in their friendship.
Emme Maribel Muniz and Seraphina Affleck leaving the "Into the Woods" Broadway musical at St. James Theatre on August 14, 2022, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Seraphina Affleck and Emme Muñiz are seen at a Sephora store on July 25, 2022, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Details about Seraphina Affleck & Emme Muñiz's Friendship
After Bennifer decided to reignite their old love flame, they made many changes in their personal lives, including merging their families and spending more time with their children. While it might take a considerable time for families to get accustomed to new relationships, it didn't apply to the couple's kids.
After their parents came together, step-siblings Emme and Seraphina surprised many with their incredible bond, evident from their affectionate photos. Frequently observed laughing and enjoying music together, the teenagers shared common experiences of having celebrity parents and growing up in the public eye.
According to sources, both Emme and Seraphina identify as non-binary and use they/them pronouns. They have been pictured rocking short hair and a similar style, like sporting casual baggy shirts and jeans.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck take a cruise on the River Seine along with some of their children, Seraphina Affleck (front R) and Emme Muniz (front L) on July 23, 2022, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Lopez has gained recognition for being a supportive parent, showing respect for Emme's decisions and identity. In June 2022, she and her daughter performed a duet of Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years" at a Los Angeles event, where she introduced Emme to the audience using gender-neutral pronouns.
Emme stunned the crowd in their hot pink shirt, shorts, black hat, and matching shoes, whereas their mother captivated countless hearts with a turquoise outfit alongside a robe adorned with feathers.
Jennifer Lopez and her daughter Emme Maribel Muniz arriving at the Chanel Spring/Summer 2013 show as part of Paris Fashion Week at Grand Palais on October 2, 2012 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
Jennifer Lopez and Emme Maribel Muniz are seen on May 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Garner, Affleck, and Lopez seem to be hands-on parents with their kids. In an interview in April 2023, the "Catch and Release" actress shared that she doesn't allow her teenage children to use social media and prefers real interaction instead. She recalled:
"I just said to my kids, 'Tell me—show me the articles that prove that social media is good for teenagers, and then we'll have the conversation."
The 51-year-old mother of three seems to be getting along well with her ex-spouse and his new wife, Lopez, because she was pictured in Disneyland with Seraphina, some of her friends, and Lopez's 15-year-old daughter, Emme, in May 2023.
From escorting the youngsters to gathering them all for some adorable photos in front of the castle—it seems clear that Garner has no issues with her daughter's close friendship with Emme.
In another news, 53-year-old Lopez dropped off her twin daughter at Garner's place as she prepared to settle into her dream home with her husband. The harmonious move was viewed by many as the Hollywood diva's dedication to her blended family.
Earlier, in April 2023, Affleck and Lopez were seen leaving a school event in Santa Monica with their kids Max and Samuel, where Garner was also spotted. J-Lo balanced comfort and style by wearing a short-sleeved plain white crop top and cream-colored baggy trousers.
On the contrary, her Oscar-winning husband chose casual comfort and donned faded blue jeans, a red T-shirt, and a black jacket that he left unbuttoned.
The star parents, Garner, Affleck, and Lopez, have shown the world that divorce and separation don't have to be bitter, and every new relationship can make room for something profoundly heart-melting.