Ben Affleck Expresses Empathy for Britney Spears Amid Past Claims of Brief Intimacy

Ben Affleck Opens Up About Empathy for Britney Spears and Media Scrutiny
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Ben Affleck, 52, recently shared his empathy for Britney Spears during a candid discussion on the This Past Weekend with Theo Von podcast. Reflecting on the toxic media culture, the actor addressed the relentless scrutiny faced by celebrities.

“Years ago, I felt a lot of empathy for Britney,” he said. “Even though I didn’t know her, I saw how the media circus and constant harassment amplified her struggles.” He likened the paparazzi’s behavior to “poking a caged animal,” emphasizing how invasive attention can distort public perception.

[Image: Ben Affleck on the podcast with a caption: “Ben Affleck discusses media’s impact on celebrities.”]

Affleck’s comments allude to Spears’ 2007 breakdown and her 13-year conservatorship, which ended in 2021. His remarks follow Spears’ 2023 Instagram post claiming they once “made out,” a claim he hasn’t publicly addressed.

[Image: Britney Spears in 2003 with caption: “Spears during her early 2000s media frenzy.”]

Addressing His Own Media Portrayal
Affleck also tackled viral memes of his “resting b**** face,” including a 2016 photo of him looking glum in London. “People think I’m angry, but I’m just reserved,” he explained. “Constant photos make it harder to act because fans see you as ‘real’ instead of the character.”

He criticized the assumption that celebrities crave constant attention: “Just because you’re photographed doesn’t mean you want to be. It’s exhausting.”

[Image: Split image of Ben looking serious (2016) and smiling (2023) with caption: “Affleck’s contrasting public personas.”]

Post-Divorce Life and Real Estate Woes
Amid his divorce from Jennifer Lopez, Affleck is reportedly ready to date again but seeks a low-key relationship. However, their $68M Beverly Hills mansion remains unsold after nearly a year. Sources say Affleck wants to lower the price, while Lopez resists, despite experts suggesting a 15% cut to attract buyers.

[Image: The Beverly Hills mansion with caption: “Affleck and Lopez’s unsold $68M estate.”]

The couple, who bought the home in 2023, face challenges like rising insurance costs and a sluggish luxury market. “Ben wants to move on, but Jen believes it’s worth the asking price,” an insider shared.

Final Thoughts
Affleck’s reflections highlight the double-edged sword of fame, from empathizing with Spears’ struggles to navigating his own public image and personal transitions. As he steps into a new chapter, balancing privacy and public life remains a priority.

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