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Jennifer Garner Rails Against Paparazzi Who ‘Knocked Over’ Kids and More Just to Get Photos of Her and Ben Affleck: ‘So Hungry to Get at Me’
Jennifer Garner has spoken out about the intense and sometimes dangerous pursuit by paparazzi trying to photograph her, her children and ex-husband Ben Affleck. Speaking on the "Shut Up Evan" podcast, the actress described photographers running red lights, driving onto residential lawns and even a children's soccer field to get shots, prompting a local association to intervene. She said the behaviour reflected an industry that had become "out of control," with her children bearing the brunt of the disruption.
Garner recounted specific incidents, including photographers "knocking over" children outside a preschool in their eagerness to capture images of her or Affleck, and being blocked from entering a paediatrician's office while carrying a sick child. She said paparazzi singled her out even within a celebrity-heavy neighbourhood because she "had the kids," and revealed she still has two photographers who have tracked her for over 20 years, developing what she called an "odd respect" — even a "Stockholm syndrome" dynamic — despite repeatedly calling the police for space to walk with her children and dog.
In short
- Jennifer Garner says paparazzi's pursuit of her and Ben Affleck endangered children.
- Photographers ran red lights, drove onto lawns and a soccer field.
- She still has two paparazzi tailing her after more than 20 years.
Explained simply
Paparazzi are photographers who pursue public figures to take pictures, often for sale to newspapers, magazines and websites. Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are American actors who were married and have three children together; they separated in 2015 and later divorced.
The story concerns the effect that persistent photography can have on celebrities’ family life and on people nearby, especially children. Garner’s account also points to questions about privacy and safety in public places, and how difficult it can be for families to get space from photographers.