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Ben Affleck’s Friends Urge Him to ‘Stop Drinking and Gambling’ Amid Relapse
After Ben Affleck appeared intoxicated at a Halloween party and casino on October 26, the actor’s pals are now concerned for his well-being. “Ben’s friends have gotten together to warn him that he’s playing with fire,” a source told In Touch exclusively. “They know he’s trying to stay sober, but he’s putting himself in a dangerous situation.”
The insider added, “Ben’s buddies told him point-blank to stop drinking and gambling, and to dump Katie Cherry,” the insider added. “And if he knows what’s good for him, Ben will take his friends’ advice.”
At the Commerce Casino in California, an eyewitness exclusively told In Touch about Ben’s gambling habits. “I watched him lose $60,000 in 40 minutes,” they explained. “Everyone was staring at him; they couldn’t believe it. He refused to fold, so people were just taking his money!”
The Good Will Hunting alum, 47, was also seen with his new girlfriend, Katie, during his night out. “She was acting like his babysitter, holding all his cash!” the insider noted. Additionally, Ben looked worse for wear after his night out on the town. “Ben was so obviously drunk,” an additional onlooker said. “His hair was really messed up, he was having trouble walking and his eyes were half-closed. He looked so sleepy and tired … I tried to talk to him at one point, but he was incoherent. He just threw his arms up in the air and walked away!”
The following day, the California native — who shares Violet, 13, Seraphina, 10, and Samuel, 7, with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner — was honest about what happened at the UNICEF Masquerade Ball. “Well, you know, it happens. It’s a slip, but I’m not going to let it derail me,” he told photographers outside of Jen’s home.
Just hours before the bash, the dad of three got candid about his sobriety and dating again post-divorce in a lengthy Instagram note. “HA, you got me. I’m dating,” he began on October 26. “But let’s be serious for a moment and talk about something that is actually important. I have been in recovery for over a year and part of that is helping out others. @themidnightmission is an incredible organization that helps those in need with housing, training, development and recovery. I’m making a donation today because there are people battling addiction every day that don’t have the resources and need help.”
Even though Ben owned up to his mistakes, the 13 Going on 30 starlet, 47, wasn’t too happy with her ex. “Jen is furious with Ben,” another source told In Touch. “She knows what she’s dealing with here. She hates that Ben did it in public too, mainly because of their children, who are at ages where they hear things in school from other kids. Her main goal is to protect her kids.”
Last time Ben went on a bender, Jennifer was forced to have an intervention with him. We hope Ben listens to his friends and family during this time.
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