Hollywood actress Jennifer Garner has firmly put an end to persistent rumors suggesting a rekindled romance with her ex-husband Ben Affleck. Over the weekend, the 13 Going on 30 star was spotted spending quality time with her boyfriend, businessman John Miller, and the photos obtained by TMZ leave no room for speculation — these two are very much together.
A Birthday Kiss That Spoke Volumes
On Saturday, April 20, just two days after celebrating her 53rd birthday, Jennifer Garner was seen enjoying a relaxed afternoon stroll with John Miller outside her Los Angeles home. The couple, who have maintained a relatively low-profile romance over the years, appeared comfortable and affectionate as they walked side by side.
Captured on camera by X17 and shared by TMZ, the heartwarming moment came when the couple approached John’s truck. As a paparazzo cheerfully shouted, “Happy Birthday, Jennifer!” the couple exchanged a tender kiss on the lips, squashing any hope among fans and tabloids that a Bennifer 1.0 reunion might be in the works.
After a brief conversation, John climbed into the driver’s seat and drove off, while Jennifer returned to her home — smiling and relaxed. Sources close to the couple told TMZ that they had spent the entire day together with Jen’s children and a group of her close friends from church. The intimate celebration reportedly included time with her three kids — Violet Anne (19), Seraphina Rose (16), and Samuel (13) — who she co-parents with ex-husband Ben Affleck.
Addressing the Rumors: No Bennifer 1.0 Comeback
Speculation had recently surfaced online suggesting that Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck might be mending old wounds and exploring a second chance at love. Some tabloids even ran with dramatic headlines about “Ben running back to Jen” after his recent split from singer and actress Jennifer Lopez.
However, those claims have now been thoroughly debunked. In fact, back in March, TMZ exclusively reported that rumors of a Garner-Affleck reconciliation were nothing more than “ridiculous gossip.” Sources close to both actors confirmed that there is zero romantic interest between the two and that their current relationship is strictly rooted in co-parenting and long-standing friendship.
A Healthy Co-Parenting Dynamic
Since their divorce in 2018, Garner and Affleck have remained committed to raising their children together in a loving and respectful environment. Though their romantic chapter closed years ago, they’ve consistently been praised for maintaining a healthy and united front when it comes to their family.
Affleck has also expressed gratitude in past interviews for the stability Garner has provided, even during turbulent moments in his personal life, including his battles with alcoholism.
Their co-parenting approach has drawn admiration from fans, parenting experts, and fellow celebrities alike, who often cite the duo as a modern example of how divorced couples can successfully navigate life after separation.
Who Is John Miller?
For those who may not know, Jennifer Garner’s current partner, John Miller, is the CEO of CaliGroup — a tech company that owns Miso Robotics and the popular CaliBurger restaurant chain. He has largely remained out of the Hollywood spotlight, which seems to suit Garner perfectly.
The couple first started dating in mid-2018, shortly after Garner finalized her divorce from Affleck. Though they briefly split in 2020, they rekindled their relationship in early 2021 and have been going strong ever since. According to insiders, John is adored by Garner’s inner circle and has a warm relationship with her children.
A source told People magazine in a previous interview: “Jen is extremely happy with John. He’s kind, grounded, and loves her quietly. He’s not a Hollywood guy, and she appreciates that.”
Ben and J.Lo: Another Hollywood Love Story Ends
The timing of these renewed rumors between Garner and Affleck wasn’t coincidental. Just weeks before Jen’s birthday outing, news broke that Ben Affleck and global superstar Jennifer Lopez had finalized their divorce in early 2025, less than three years after tying the knot in a lavish, widely-publicized wedding in Georgia.
Their on-again, off-again love story — which originally began in the early 2000s — had captured headlines for decades and was revived to full media frenzy when they reunited and married in 2022. Despite the fairy-tale optics, sources claimed that conflicting lifestyles and intense media scrutiny contributed to their recent separation.
Still, Affleck’s split from J.Lo sparked a flood of speculation that he might seek comfort in a familiar place — namely, Jennifer Garner. However, if anything, this weekend’s public display of affection between Garner and Miller puts those stories to rest.
Garner’s Graceful Approach to Public Scrutiny
Throughout her career, Jennifer Garner has been known for her poise, humility, and commitment to keeping her private life as low-drama as possible. Even during the most intense moments of her marriage and subsequent divorce from Ben Affleck, the Alias actress has remained composed and focused on her family.
While she’s never been one to respond directly to tabloid gossip, actions speak louder than words — and that birthday kiss said it all.
In a Hollywood landscape where exes often reunite or spiral into messy public feuds, Jennifer Garner continues to write her own narrative — one of growth, peace, and genuine love.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, folks: Jennifer Garner is not reuniting with Ben Affleck — not now, and likely not ever. Despite the chatter, she’s deeply committed to her relationship with John Miller and clearly happy in her current chapter of life. As far as Hollywood romances go, this one is refreshingly grounded and real.
And if there’s anything fans should take away from this story, it’s this: Jennifer Garner is thriving, gracefully navigating fame, motherhood, and love on her own terms — no headlines needed.
