Ben Affleck isn't exactly making romance a priority these days.
The 54-year-old actor and filmmaker opened up about his current approach to dating while attending the Los Angeles premiere of his new thriller Animals on Thursday, Oct. 2.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Affleck said his attention is largely focused on his career and his three children, leaving little time to pursue a relationship.
Ben Affleck Is "Happy" Being Single
"I work a lot and I see my kids," Affleck explained in a clip shared on Instagram.
The Oscar winner added that there isn't much room in his schedule beyond his family and work.
"There's not a lot of room" outside of those priorities, he said. "I'm not running around."
Affleck also addressed a recent claim from The View co-host Ana Navarro, who said she had tried to play matchmaker and set him up with Shakira following his divorce from Jennifer Lopez. Navarro previously acknowledged that she has never actually met Affleck.
The actor appeared surprised by the story.
"I hear s**t like that honestly first from people like you," Affleck told the reporter. "I swear to God, I never heard that in my whole life."
Affleck Addresses the Dating Rumors
Affleck said he's become accustomed to hearing speculation about his personal life, particularly since becoming single.
"I often hear rumors," he said, suggesting that gossip can sometimes turn into stories that aren't based in reality. "Some people gossip. Stuff gets made up."
© Getty ImagesHe also said he doesn't typically get set up on dates, despite the ongoing speculation surrounding his love life.
Affleck and Lopez finalized their divorce in January 2025 after two years of marriage. The pair had previously been engaged in the early 2000s before rekindling their relationship years later.
The actor was also previously married to Jennifer Garner from 2005 until their divorce was finalized in 2018. The former couple share three children: Violet, Seraphina and Samuel.
His Kids Come First
Affleck said he's currently in a good place and has a clear understanding of what matters most to him.
"I'm good and I'm happy," he said. "I know what my priorities are."
For Affleck, that means putting his children first while continuing to pursue work he enjoys.
"You can't have two things that are the most important in your life," he explained. "For me that's the kids."
"And then I have my work, which I love," he continued. "And, you know, I'm where I'm at and I'm great. Who knows what adventures life will bring? I'm open to it but I'm not trying to chase anything."
Affleck's Kids Aren't Buying His Relationship Advice
Just last month, Affleck admitted that his children aren't exactly convinced he's qualified to give them romantic advice.
During a Sept. 24 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the actor recalled trying to share some of his own relationship experiences with his kids during family dinners.
© Axelle/Bauer-Griffin"My kids are talking at dinner and they're talking about their friends and the drama and the relationships and I have some lived experience, I think, that's worth sharing, some lessons," he told Jimmy Kimmel.
But his advice apparently doesn't always land.
"I'll say, 'You know, well the thing about that relationship there…' and the 17-year-old turns to me and goes, 'Oh, like you're the expert on relationships?'" Affleck recalled.
Affleck's New Movie Animals
Affleck's focus on work comes as he promotes Animals, the new thriller he directed and co-wrote with Connor O. McIntyre and Billy Ray.
The film stars Kerry Washington, Steven Yeun, and Gillian Anderson alongside Affleck.
Animals is currently playing in select theaters before arriving on Netflix Oct. 9.
