Ben Affleck Criticized for Abandoning His Kids Given How His Son Looks Now

• Jennifer Garner and her son Samuel's recent outing had people furious over Affleck's apparent neglect of his child.
• Samuel sported a red wig and a purple bow while he and his mom walked to an unknown location in Santa Monica.
• A critic blamed Ben Affleck for his son's accessory choices, claiming he neglected his children for his new wife, Jennifer Lopez.

After ten years of marriage, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck stunned the world when they announced their separation in 2015. The couple shared three children, Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel.

The paparazzi never left the couple's side when news of their separation came to light. Their pursuit of photographing a distressing situation in the family's life was all they cared about.

However, despite all the press their separation accumulated, Garner once shared that going through such a public divorce wasn't difficult for her – going through the divorce itself was what proved more challenging. Another major thing was her children were observant, and all their eyes were on her during the process. She said:

"Going through it in public is not what's hard, going through it is what's hard, A. And B, my children's eyes are on me."

Through it all, Affleck and Garner continued to co-parent their three kids. By then, she'd let go of her dream of one day dancing with her husband at their daughter's wedding.

By Spring 2021, news of Affleck's reunion with his famous ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez became international news. It was a surprise to many for the love team "Bennifer" to come back to life.

Even Lopez's mom, Guadalupe Rodriguez, somehow knew her daughter and Affleck were meant to be. She reportedly prayed for two decades for them to get back together.

Lopez and Affleck first got engaged in 2003 before separating the following year. They went on to marry other people and have children.

The couple had their second shot at love in 2022 when after nearly 20 years since their first engagement, they finally married in front of their family and friends. It was the beginning of a new life and one that critics often slam Affleck for.

Affleck's Son Samuel Dressed Like a Girl

People wondered how Affleck's parenting came to play when his only son Samuel sported a red wig and a purple bow during an outing with his mom. While Affleck and Garner embrace their son's unique personality, others think the newly-married dad neglected him.

One user said it was time to set the truth free – claiming Affleck is "so happy and busy" with his new wife at the expense of his three children. One also slammed him for abandoning his wife and kids.

Someone implied that Affleck felt trapped in his marriage to Garner because he felt guilty about being with someone who actually showed up for their family. Her assumptions came after the actor said he felt trapped.

Despite all comments regarding his alleged neglect, he and Garner have co-parented since their separation. Affleck even considers his kids considerably when making career decisions.

He started Artists Equity, a production company that allowed him to be in Los Angeles more. "These years are just too important," he said, referring to his kids growing up. "If I miss them, I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

Through the years, Garner and Affleck effectively communicated with their children regarding fame and public perception. While they couldn't care less what the media had to say about them, it became more complex when their kids could finally read and understand what was being displayed on the internet.

Communication has been vital in the way Garner and Affleck have been able to co-parent their children effectively. They've worked together to make the transition less difficult for their kids.

In May 2023, Garner took her middle child Seraphina and Lopez's daughter Emme to Disneyland, proving all was well with her and Affleck's new wife.

The "Love, Simon" actress also tried changing their kids' perspectives, saying they now had two allies in each of their parents. She said it was nice to have a fresh perspective, especially since sometimes, she got so "emotionally tied up" with her kids.

Lopez and Garner are also cordial towards one another and are working together to make sure their children get along. Lopez has two kids, Max and Emme, whom she shares with ex Marc Anthony.

In May 2023, Garner took her middle child Seraphina and Lopez's daughter Emme to Disneyland, proving all was well between her and Affleck's new wife. Hours before their trip, Lopez was seen dropping Emme off at Garner's home.

Months prior, Lopez, Affleck, and Garner showed up for their daughter Seraphina during one of her music recitals. It was the same scenario when they watched Samuel Affleck and Max Muniz's school recital in April.

Ultimately, Garner calls parenting "a gift." Rather than focusing on what other people had to say about their blended family, Affleck, Lopez, and Garner all work together to ensure their kids grow up to be good humans. They've set aside their complicated pasts and have gotten along fine for the sake of their children.

Nowadays, the relationships they share with their children are a lot healthier than they used to be. Garner once admitted to being a nightmare for everyone around her, including her daughter Violet, whom she once took everywhere she went.

It's no longer the same situation, and their children are now able to happily spend time with both parents whenever they please. They're close to either of their parents, and as Garner had once hoped, they found allies in both of them.