Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck Make the Headlines after Getting a Flat Tire amid Romantic Date
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck recently found themselves stranded on the side of the road in Los Angeles. Fans immediately began sharing their thoughts on the couple handling the situation and what they should have done before the incident.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's romantic outing was abruptly halted recently when their silver BMW suffered a flat tire, leaving the couple with no choice but to pull over and assess the situation. Eyewitnesses captured the moment, showing Lopez and Affleck examining the damage.
Ben Affleck in California on May 7, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Dressed casually, with Affleck in a flannel and baseball cap and Lopez in a form-fitting black turtleneck and leggings, the pair attempted to remedy the flat but to no avail. Eventually, they called for a ride to pick them up and left their car where it stood. It is unclear who picked the car up or what has happened to it since.
Ben Affleck in California on May 7, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
The incident wasn't the first automotive misfortune for Affleck, who has had his fair share of car troubles in the past, including a breakdown during a heat wave and a minor accident involving his son and a rental Lamborghini. Despite the setback, the duo didn't let the flat tire ruin their day, as they were later seen enjoying courtside seats at a Lakers game.
Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, and Samuel Garner Affleck at a Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors basketball game on March 16, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The news quickly spread to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where fans shared their thoughts on the situation. Comments ranged from the humorous—"They can just have a new car delivered" and "Don't they know how to change a tire [?] Shouldn't be driving then."—to the critical, with some questioning why the couple wouldn't opt for vehicles equipped with run-flat tires and others saying "Welcome to the real world."
Ben Affleck in California on November 30, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Others offered more sympathetic takes, praising Affleck's laid-back attitude towards life's little mishaps. One fan shared: "He is just [too] cool about life and everything, I love him." Many other fans wondered what had happened to the car since the couple had left it.
Affleck has had many car troubles throughout the years. Two years ago, Affleck encountered a problem while in the Starbucks drive through with Lopez. A Starbucks sign became lodged in the back rim of his car after he navigated a complicated turn, necessitating the assistance of nearby paparazzi to remove it.
In February last year, Affleck once again encountered bad motor vehicle luck when he was parked on the street in LA. One car parked behind him and another parked in front of him were so close that he was unable to get out of the parking spot. The actor took a coffee break alongside his car before trying to get out of the spot.
When Affleck got back into his car, he bumped into both other cars as he tried to get out of the parking spot. He repeated this process a few times before he was able to turn his car enough that he could enter the street again and drive away. This occurrence, however, didn't overshadow the couple's joyous moments, such as Lopez's birthday tribute to her twins, shared on Instagram, which included snapshots of the family together, highlighting their blended family's happiness.
As previously reported on March 18, 2024:
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck at a Lakers vs. Warriors basketball game at the Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
51-year-old Ben Affleck and his wife, Jennifer Lopez, recently attended a Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors basketball game with Affleck's son Samuel Garner Affleck. The family sat courtside for the event. The trio's choice of attire for the game night added to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, and Samuel Affleck at a Lakers vs. Warriors basketball game at the Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Lopez dazzled in sparkly boots paired with jeans and a chic white crop top, topped off with a jacket and accessorized with striking gold hoops, embodying casual glamour. Samuel sported a blue Steph Curry sweatsuit and cap, showing his support for the Warriors, while Affleck opted for a more laid-back look with jeans, a flannel shirt, and a navy blue jacket, complemented by a navy blue cap.
Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, and Samuel Affleck at a Lakers vs. Warriors basketball game at the Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
What caught the fans' attention the most, however, was Affleck's look, which diverged significantly from his usual public persona. Social media buzzed with comments like, "Ben Affleck is unrecognizable! 😱🤯🤯" and "Ben looks soooo different, looks nothing like him at all." Some attributed this drastic change to his clean-shaven face, a departure from his typically rugged appearance.
Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, and Samuel Affleck at a Lakers vs. Warriors basketball game at the Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Others speculated that his uncharacteristic public smile and the genuine happiness he seemed to exhibit while enjoying the game with his family were the reasons behind his transformed look. One observer noted that he looked happy to be enjoying the game instead of trying to gain attention or being where he didn't want to be.
In light of his recent visibility and the curiosity surrounding his personal and professional life, Affleck shared insights into his current priorities and lifestyle choices. He opened up about the challenges and decisions he faces, balancing his demanding career with his role as a devoted father and husband.
Ben and Samuel Affleck at a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena on December 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
When asked why he had chosen to run his own company in addition to being an actor and director, Affleck's response shed light on the complexities of his situation. "My wife doesn’t have a lot of downtime. But that does sound great. You’re making assumptions that I wish were true but aren’t, which is … I’ve had a number of movies I wanted to direct that were like, 'Yeah, we want to do it in Bulgaria.' And I’m like, 'In Bulgaria?'" he shared.
Ben Affleck spotted with Violet Anne Affleck on February 09, 2014 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
He explained the practical reasons behind his decision to take on roles closer to home, emphasizing the importance of being present for his children, saying "I’m divorced. I share custody. I don’t want to go to Austin and New Orleans and Georgia anymore and not see my kids. It just doesn’t work. These years are too important. If I miss them, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life."
Ben and Seraphina Affleck spotted on July 25, 2022 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
Affleck further elaborated on how his career adjustments have impacted his ability to be there for his children's significant moments. He shared that working in Los Angeles in an office allowed him to step out to watch his son play basketball or his daughters's dance performances.
Violet Affleck, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez spotted on July 23, 2022 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
He noted a shift in how others perceive his commitment to his family, contrasting his experiences with those of his parents, explaining "Now, my parents never came to one Little League game ever, once. But in the modern era of raising children, with three kids, 11, 14, and 17, and three schools with their individual activities, it turns out that is in and of itself a total full-time job."