Major Controversies Surrounding Ben Affleck: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Ben Affleck.

Ben Affleck is an American actor and filmmaker who started his career as a child actor on the PBS series *The Voyage of the Mimi*. He gained recognition through roles in independent films like *Dazed and Confused* and Kevin Smith comedies, such as *Chasing Amy*. Affleck has received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, and three Golden Globes, solidifying his place in the entertainment industry.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1997: Rose McGowan's Allegations and Affleck's Response

In 1997, following an alleged sexual assault by Harvey Weinstein during the Sundance Film Festival, actress Rose McGowan claimed she told Ben Affleck about the incident. According to McGowan, Affleck responded by saying he told Weinstein to stop. Later, Affleck denied witnessing the alleged assault, leading to a public disagreement between them.

2003: Increased Media Attention Due to Relationship with Jennifer Lopez

In 2003, Ben Affleck was the subject of increased media attention due to his relationship with Jennifer Lopez, leading to him becoming the "world's most over-exposed actor".

2003: Inappropriate Behavior on TRL Uncensored

In 2003, during an on-air appearance on TRL Uncensored, Ben Affleck allegedly behaved inappropriately towards actress Hilarie Burton, who stated that Affleck "wraps his arm around me, and comes over and tweaks my left boob". Affleck later apologized for his actions.

2014: Finding Your Roots Appearance

In 2014, Ben Affleck appeared on the PBS genealogy series Finding Your Roots. During the show, he was informed that one of his ancestors had been a slave owner in Georgia, which made him uncomfortable. Leaked emails from 2015 later revealed that Affleck was uneasy about this segment, and it was ultimately omitted from the final broadcast.

2014: Discussed Islam on 'Real Time with Bill Maher'

In 2014, Ben Affleck engaged in a widely shared discussion about the relationship between liberal principles and Islam during an appearance on "Real Time with Bill Maher."

2014: Alleged incident at Golden Globes party

In 2014, makeup artist Annamarie Tendler accused Ben Affleck of grabbing her buttocks at a Golden Globes party, alleging that "He tried to play it like he was politely moving me out of the way."

2015: Sony email hacking scandal

In 2015, leaked emails from the Sony email hacking scandal revealed that Ben Affleck was uncomfortable about a segment in the PBS show 'Finding Your Roots' where he learned about a slave-owner ancestor. The segment was not included in the final broadcast, leading to controversy and an internal investigation by PBS.

2017: MeToo Movement Allegations

In 2017, during the MeToo movement, Ben Affleck was accused of inappropriate behavior by two women. Actress Hilarie Burton recounted an incident from 2003 where Affleck allegedly touched her inappropriately during a TRL Uncensored appearance, and Annamarie Tendler accused Affleck of grabbing her buttocks at a 2014 Golden Globes party.

2017: Reflected on Islam discussion on 'Real Time with Bill Maher'

In a 2017 Guardian interview, Ben Affleck reflected on the viral moment during his 2014 appearance on 'Real Time with Bill Maher', reiterating his belief that no one should be stereotyped based on race or religion.