"Exes & Wives" "PM" reveal

http://www.laineygossip.com/brad-pitt-looks-fit-while-leaving-office-in-la/47391

Brad Pitt is currently on the cover of US Weekly with Sienna Miller. They were at Glastonbury together although, supposedly, they weren’t together-together, at least not according to sources from his side who are trying to insist that they’re not a thing.

This week Brad’s been papped a few times in LA, leaving his office, focused on work and not romance. Here he is yesterday close to the office, taking a coffee break before. He’s as fit as he’s looked in a while, not quite as thin as he was a couple of months ago. This is what we’re supposed to be talking about: Brad’s not dating, Brad’s not with Sienna, Brad’s just taking care of business.

The other day, when I posted about Brad and Sienna, I mentioned that while Sienna is totally his type, the type that would benefit him best, at least from the MiniVan Majority’s perspective, is Jennifer Garner. That’s who America would want to see him with – someone they totally relate to. Can you imagine the nuclear headlines that would result from that? So many angles. Like, for starters, how Ben Affleck would feel about it.

That said, I don’t know that it’s possible. If Jennifer Garner hooked up with Brad Pitt, it’d be her second Gwyneth Paltrow succession. And I feel like the presence of GP in Ben’s past bothered her more than Jennifer Lopez ever did.

July 7, 2017 at 9:04 AM

Exes & Wives

"Exes & Wives" "PM" reveal

"Making good decisions" reveal 2

http://www.laineygossip.com/Ben-Affleck-reveals-he-has-completed-treatment-for-alcohol-addiction/46538

Ben Affleck was in treatment

Ben Affleck revealed on Facebook late yesterday that he was in treatment for alcohol addiction.

You may have known about this already, that he’s been making good decisions. And this was the best decision, made undoubtedly with the support of Jennifer Garner, the person who’s always been a solid influence in his life.

This is not Ben’s first time in rehab. Back in 2001, it was Charlie Sheen who drove Ben to Promises in Malibu. (I know, right???) After that, he started dating Jennifer Lopez. And after that it was Jennifer Garner and their children and his comeback and Argo and Batman and… and…and…and…

Addiction is enough of a beast on its own without fame and entitlement and the trappings of Hollywood. We’ve seen often how the industry condones certain behaviours, enables them even, and in Ben Affleck’s case, this escalation wasn’t overnight; it happened over an extended period, a period when wellness may not have been a priority – not for him and perhaps not for the people who needed production more than wellness.

Ben Affleck is fortunate though. He keeps getting chances. Nobody’s passing him over for projects. He’s still at the top of the list. And that’s not the case for everyone.

March 15, 2017 at 11:02 AM

Making good decisions

"Making good decisions" reveal 2

"Making good decisions" reveal 1

http://www.laineygossip.com/Ben-Affleck-and-Jennifer-Garner-reportedly-calling-off-divorce-according-to-PEOPLE/46464

PEOPLE reported first thing this morning that Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have called off their divorce – for now:

Though the actors, both 44 — who announced their separation back in June 2015 — aren’t back together, they have decided to keep working on their marriage after going through a recent rough patch that nearly led to a permanent split.

“Jen has called off the divorce,” a source close to Garner tells PEOPLE in the latest issue. “She really wants to work things out with Ben. They are giving things another try.”
But a source close to the couple says it was a decision they both made: “There is always a chance of reconciliation. They love each other. They also really, really love their kids, and those kids love their parents.”

Last month, US Weekly reported that Jennifer was actually ready to move ahead with the divorce. Now PEOPLE isn’t disputing that original story but is updating the situation… so… why?

What happened between early February and now?

Well, Ben’s kept a pretty low profile. Professionally he recently announced that he will not be directing The Batman and there’s been some rumouring that he may not even star in the movie. On the personal side, he was at the Oscars to support his brother Casey but was not seen at any of the after-parties. So, it would seem that Ben’s focusing on family right now and perhaps that focus is what convinced Jennifer to reconsider, giving her reason to believe that their marriage can be repaired and that they can come out stronger for it.

Ben and Jennifer are both Rats. Remember the forecast for Rats in the Year of the Rooster? Rats are supposed to be super lucky this year – and 1972 Rats are the luckiest of all Rats… but only if they stay focused and make good decisions. If you believe Chinese astrology then, yes, they are totally getting back together. If he can keep his sh-t together.

Oh and also? Great timing for these sources to be talking to PEOPLE…you know…um… this week, almost like it’s … insurance? She's always the one who’s had his back, always the one who saves him from himself.

March 8, 2017 at 10:24 AM

Making good decisions

"Making good decisions" reveal 1

Making good decisions

http://www.laineygossip.com/Making-good-decisions-blind-riddle/46438

You may have heard that he’s been scaling back on some of his work commitments, major projects that meant a lot to him. These are good decisions. Part of a series of better decisions that he’s been making lately. And the best decision is that he’s been in treatment.

Which is why he’s kept a relatively low profile. And the catalyst for that seems to be the person who’s always been a solid influence in his life. She told him she was ready to move forward and shortly after that, he left to get help, out of town where he’s had some success before. He briefly came home so that he could stand up for family recently but then went right back to focus on self-care. Which is why there’s been no comment on a recent rumour that he may be stepping back from his big role. They still want him but his focus right now is not on work and, for the time being, they’re respecting that.

March 6, 2017 at 8:55 AM

Update (3/21/17):
reveal 1
reveal 2

Making good decisions

"Deflate the face" reveal

http://www.laineygossip.com/Casey-Affleck-paints-brother-Ben-as-a-victim-of-fame-at-2017-Oscars/46384

Ben Affleck was very emotional last night when Casey Affleck won the Oscar. He kissed and hugged his little brother. He was teary-eyed in the audience during Casey’s acceptance speech.

See Matt Damon in the corner of that shot? I feel like he really wants to come over.

In the press room, Casey was asked about Ben’s reaction:

It was very moving. Obviously, my brother, to have him there, it was a nice moment," Casey told reporters in the press room at Hollywood's Dolby Theater. "He didn't actually say anything. He just hugged me. A lot of people have been giving me some grief for not thanking him in the past, but in a friendly way."

"I saw those tears and I thought maybe I'm just not making a good speech and he was really disappointed. But I think he was probably touched, and I think that we are — I mean, not to brag or anything, but I think we're the only two brothers to win Academy Awards, ever," Casey added.

"I've learned a lot from him because he's been through a lot in this business and ups and downs and been under-appreciated and then it's been proven how great he is," Casey continued backstage. "It's been an advantage to be able to watch someone you love and you know so well go try to navigate the very tricky, rocky, sometimes hateful waters of being famous."

Ohhhhhh…kayyyyy….

Can we just back it up and crush the exaggeration going on here? Since when is Ben Affleck under-appreciated? He won an Oscar 20 years ago – at age 25, then the youngest ever Oscar winner for Best Original Screenplay. And is it really fame that’s made Ben’s waters rocky and hateful….or is it Ben himself who’s also agitating calm waters and making waves? This is who they are, the Affleck brothers. They rewrite their own histories, they edit out their mistakes, their bad decisions, they turn themselves into victims. And… as always… they will be FINE.

Ben looks weird as f-ck though, non? I just checked back to what he looked like at last year’s Oscars…

And we were already talking about his face changes last year. But compared this year, 2016 was such an improvement. Now? Now it’s so tight it looks like he’s in pain when he smiles. Like his cheeks refuse to move. Are you seeing that too?

February 27, 2017 at 2:25 PM

Deflate the face

"Deflate the face" reveal

Deflate the face

http://www.laineygossip.com/Deflate-the-face-blind-riddle/46043

There’s all kinds of work to be done before starting on a movie. In addition to preparing for the role, many roles require the actor to get into shape physically. Your first assumption here is to think that means working out. Most of the time. Some of the time it’s about your face. And this is not just the women.

Before starting on his upcoming blockbuster, producers were concerned after test shots that he looked too unnatural and puffy. They asked him, rather directly, to have his fillers dissolved. It’s an action movie after all, he can’t be looking dewy and plump like he’s at the spa while he’s doing all those action sequences. In order to speed up the process he first switched over to a detox diet to lean out and then he went back to the doctor to deflate his face. In my opinion he’s really better off for it. So, just in case you didn’t already know, in Hollywood, the actors are doing it and OVER doing it just as much as the actresses.

January 23, 2017 at 8:46 AM

Update (3/6/17):
reveal

Deflate the face

"Exes & Wives" "Pigtails" reveal

http://www.laineygossip.com/Britney-Spears-posts-throwback-photo-of-Leonardo-DiCaprio-on-Instagram/43484

It’s April Fools’ Day. So all kinds of pranks are showing up on the internet. Oxford Dictionaries is getting in on it too. Most of them are kind of lame. But then there’s this one, a new verb:

Leo, verb to achieve something after years of trying: “I feel like I’ve Leoed this morning; I finally passed my driving test.” [from the name of Leonardo DiCaprio, with allusion to his winning the 2016 Academy Award for Best Actor after six unsuccessful nominations.]

So, basically, Leo is the new Susan Lucci. Excellent. And totally, totally how he wants to be seen, right? (Thanks SJ!)

In other Leo news, here’s what Britney posted on Instagram yesterday for #tbt.

She’s not telling us when this happened. I’m going to guess around 2003/2004. She would have been 23ish, well within his age range, if you want to believe it went down. I can’t see that going down. I also can’t see her posting an old shot of herself with Ben Affleck. But I do love that Britney’s giving us this kind of random nostalgia that we didn’t even know was nostalgia.

April 1, 2016 at 9:56 AM

Exes & Wives

"Exes & Wives" "Pigtails" reveal

"His biggest problem" reveal 2

http://www.laineygossip.com/Ben-Affleck-and-Jennifer-Garners-breakup-covers-PEOPLE-and-US-Weekly/40005

As expected, most magazines will feature the Ben Affleck Jennifer Garner breakup on their covers this week, with PEOPLE and US leading the way.

Let’s start with PEOPLE, always more celebrity-friendly, and especially in this case, since they were the first to receive the official divorce statement from the couple and the first to publish photos of them in the Bahamas. But even PEOPLE can’t avoid the infidelity rumours. Although they don’t come right out and accuse Ben Affleck of being unfaithful, they get close. They actually get surprisingly close:

According to a longtime friend of the actress, Affleck recently came to Garner "and told her he had not been committed to the marriage within the past few years," her friend says. "Jen is a fighter. She would not give up unless there was a good reason."

Several sources close to Garner also say that allegations of infidelity (which Affleck vehemently denies) and other troubling behavior, including drinking and gambling, took their toll on the marriage. "She loved Ben," says another close friend. "But there comes a time when you have to say enough is enough and take care of yourself."

You can throw “vehemently denies” in parentheses over and over again but the main takeaway from those two paragraphs is that cheating was an issue. And over at US Weekly, they’re much more direct about it:

One pal claims, in the past year, Garner told her friends that Affleck had “admitted to cheating” with an attractive love interest. A devastated Garner kicked the two-time Oscar winner out of their $17.5 million home in L.A.’s Pacific Palisades, “but eventually decided to forgive him,” says the insider. Meanwhile, a source close to Affleck insists, “Ben did not cheat on Jen.” The A-listers may be the only ones who know the truth, but at least one thing seems certain: Garner's trust had been irrevocably broken. Indeed, insiders say there was plenty of mistrust during their decade-long union. “She tried to leave him a few times, but he would beg her to stay,” one source says of the pair, who fell in love while filming 2003’s Daredevil.

“An attractive love interest?” No one can name names. But come on, you know, you know everyone knows the names.

Most sources I’ve spoken to say that Ben Affleck’s not a bad guy. That he’s actually a nice guy. A very nice, very insecure guy with self-destructive tendencies. That’s how Gwyneth Paltrow described him and I know I keep coming back to this quote but it keeps telling us so much, even though she said it over 10 years ago:

"Ben makes life tough for himself. He's got a lot of complication, and you know, he really is a great guy. So I hope he sorts himself out."

He does. He sorts himself out. He goes forward. And then he goes backward. And the best explanation I’ve been given for this lately, as all of this has gone down, has been from a source who describes him like this:

“It’s almost like he doesn’t believe he deserves any of his success. So he tries to sabotage it. And when he f-cks it all up, he can put himself in the underdog/victim role again and make a comeback.”

How would a guy like that deal with having to play Bruce Wayne, Batman, after carrying all the disappointment of Daredevil? That’s EXACTLY why he took on the role. But for all his determination to prove that he can be a superhero, you have to wonder how he works through the self-doubt.

Also attached – Ben in LA after returning from the Bahamas last week looking wrecked. And arriving in Atlanta yesterday where Jennifer Garner is shooting a new film. According to PEOPLE, he brought gifts for his children and is determined to see them as much as possible. Ironic, a little, non? Atlanta wasn’t great for their marriage. But it would appear that he’s trying to make that comeback, again.

Click here to read the PEOPLE story and click here for US Weekly’s.

July 8, 2015 at 7:52 AM

His biggest problem

"His biggest problem" reveal 2

"His biggest problem" reveal

http://www.laineygossip.com/Jennifer-Garner-back-to-work-on-set-of-Miracles-From-Heaven-after-Bahamas-vacation-with-Ben-Affleck/39997

Pop Sugar has the exclusive photos of Jennifer Garner on Monday on the set of her new movie Miracles From Heaven. Click here to see. Her hair is lighter and there’s a ring on her finger. Just like there was a ring on Ben Affleck’s finger in the totally not staged, super candid photos that PEOPLE posted yesterday – click here for a refresher.

Apparently Ben returned to LA on Friday. PEOPLE reports that he went out on Sunday, no ring this time. They also say that Jen and the kids stayed a couple more days before leaving Baker’s Bay. PEOPLE obviously has a lock on their schedule, or at least what they want you to know about their schedule. And their relationship right now. So, officially, they are moving ahead during this difficult time, prioritising the children, no animosity. Remember this, then, as we approach the start of Comic-Con where he and Warner Bros will present Batman vs Superman. Where he will be surrounded by media, an event that should certainly be considered as one of the most critical moments of his career. As I wrote last week, he’s capable of that kind of charm. A sheepish grin, a self-deprecating shrug. A carefully worded but casually delivered, likely pre-scripted line, yeah, life kinda sucks right now, or something to that effect…and let the chin dimple do the rest. Who’ll be able to resist it? That could potentially be a big win for him. It’s just that the high from that kind of thing never lasts.

July 7, 2015 at 9:50 AM

His biggest problem

"His biggest problem" reveal

"His biggest problem" clue

http://www.laineygossip.com/Ben-Affleck-on-EW-Batman-vs-Superman-Cover/39965

Well this is great timing, isn’t it? It was confirmed yesterday that Batman vs Superman will be at Comic-Con and that Ben Affleck, despite the fact that he just announced his divorce, will make an appearance though it’s been stressed that there will be no personal questions. Of course not.

And here’s the cover of the new issue of Entertainment Weekly featuring Batfleck, Superman, and Wonder Woman front and centre. The magazine also has exclusive photos from the film, including a shot of Batman and Superman getting all up in each other’s faces…

…and Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince flirting at a cocktail party:

Of the relationship between Bruce and Diana, Ben told the EW that:

“I love the fact that there was this Thomas Crowne Affair, Bond-y sexy scene that they wrote about two people who are pretending to be two different people who each know the secrets of the other person.”

Oh yeah. Totally.

Good timing or bad timing?

Would it have been better to wait until after Comic-Con to go with the official breakup confirmation? Or does this get the distraction out of the way so that Ben can focus on Batman for the next 9 months without the question mark interfering?

Ben and Warner Bros have a solid partnership. He’s one of the WB boys alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, and Bradley Cooper. So, ostensibly, there’s a lot of pressure on him to handle it…but they also must have some confidence on how he can handle it. We’ve seen him handle it before. Part of the reason Ben Affleck has been successful is because he can be charming and disarming. When he’s in the mood, when he gets out of his own way, he’s a funny, self-deprecating guy. All it takes from him on the panel, in Hall H in San Diego, is a sheepish shrug, with a crooked smile, and sad eyes…

“Yeah, it’s probably not my best week…” followed by some kind of joke and we’re halfway there. People will laugh. They’re almost be relieved and, crazily enough, even grateful that he’s the one acknowledging the awkwardness and trying not to make it more awkward. Men get away with this sh-t all the time. See Hugh Grant.

Managing Ben in San Diego will be key. If were on the Affleck babysitting team, I’d get him in and out quickly – panel, photos, one or two closely monitored, non-threatening interviews, and then out. Because if you let him stay to party…well…that’s a classic Affleck f-ckup waiting to happen. He often erases his own gains.

Click here to read more about Batman vs Superman at EW.com and click here to see more photos, including Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor.

July 2, 2015 at 1:37 PM

His biggest problem

"His biggest problem" clue

His biggest problem

http://www.laineygossip.com/His-biggest-problem-blind-riddle/39993

There were a lot of women. Oklahoma was a few years ago. But Oklahoma was certainly not the one who was the most recent, although the most recent, professional turned personal, that I know of at least, is also not that recognisable, for now. She’s waiting for her moment.

Still, these affairs were not the biggest problem. The biggest problem is one he developed on the set of his most recent project. It started with pills and an injury a few years ago. Somehow he was able to function through that. Recently though he was shooting on location. He was a mess. He would go missing overnight. Not the prescription pills now but a hard drug. A very dangerous one. Not the party kind but the kind that brings you down, often alone, to escape. One that not too long ago took the life of a major, major talent. So it’s not the lovers that made him unsuitable for home. This is why she didn’t trust him at home. This is why she had to shake him up. But it’s not like he can get help openly. Not now, when so much is riding on him, with so much coming up. And that’s always been how Hollywood works. Your health is not the priority when there’s a multi-million dollar marketing strategy in place and so many stories to tell. So, sure, he has a support system, a lot of people out there looking out for him. But… is that the right objective?

July 7, 2015 at 8:08 AM

Related blinds: 01 February 2011 Smutty Shout-Out, His ups and downs, and Has she had enough yet?

Update (7/8/15):
denial 1: Jennifer Lopez & Margot Robbie
clue
reveal 1
reveal 2

His biggest problem

"Has she had enough yet?" reveal

http://www.laineygossip.com/Ben-Affleck-Jennifer-Garner-split-divorce/39950

Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner: it’s done

Every Friday for the last few weeks, we’ve been bracing for it, haven’t we? The Friday bury. Since it’s Canada Day tomorrow, and most of us in Canada are currently wrapping up for the day off, it does feel, for us here anyway, like a Friday bury. The timing works in America too as it’s Independence Day on Saturday and many in the US are taking an extra long weekend. Also, given the holiday coming up, the magazine deadlines had to have something to do with it too.

But…

The key date is probably June 29. Yesterday. Their 10th anniversary.

And today, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner announce that they are divorcing. PEOPLE had the exclusive:

"After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce," the couple tells PEOPLE in a joint statement. "We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting our children whose privacy we ask to be respected during this difficult time. This will be our only comment on this private, family matter. Thank you for understanding."

TMZ reports that “they are working things out with a mediator and business managers. The divorce will be filed when all of the property and custody issues are resolved.”

I guess she finally had enough. And then negotiated on her terms? Because the date… the date and the ten years would benefit her, non? Can you imagine how much sh-t she has on him? And, now that they’ve decided to end it, how much sh-t that could come out on him? Out of respect for their family, a lot of people have been holding back on a lot of information. Now? You have to wonder how much of that will play out. Ahem, the key word in that sentence is “wonder”. Keep an eye on that. It could be a house of cards. Jennifer Garner is already beloved. And she will be even more. Him? If they don’t contain this, oh my god, the MiniVan Majority will annihilate him otherwise.

But what does Ben Affleck do with his new “freedom”? Can Ben Affleck help himself? Now that he’s not officially committed anymore?

More on this later in the days to come. In the meantime, I’ve given you a LOT of clues.

June 30, 2015 at 3:24 PM

Has she had enough yet?

"Has she had enough yet?" reveal

"Has she had enough yet?" clue

http://www.laineygossip.com/Ben-Affleck-and-Jennifer-Garner-step-out-with-their-children-amid-divorce-rumours/39656

The Afflecks send a message

For a couple of weeks now, several tabloids have been reporting on the alleged imminent demise of the Jennifer Garner-Ben Affleck marriage. And yesterday the New York Daily News published a story about how the two are “leading separate lives” citing several sources who claim that they hardly spend any time together. One source, who is supposedly friends with both the Afflecks and the Damons, had this to say:

“They had good times when they were living in Brentwood and hanging at Matt’s (house). Things were definitely a lot more upbeat and optimistic then. Now there’s friction and tension between them. They’re like two ships passing in the night.”

Another source is apparently a neighbour and describes Ben as an uncompromising dick:

“Ben Affleck only likes things his way or no way. He’s as stubborn as a mule. He’s not exactly flexible. He is prone to moodiness when he doesn’t get his way. Dealing with him is not a walk in the park.”

So Ben and Jen stepped out together yesterday and photographers were around to document it. Coincidence or conspiracy? And they say the paparazzi don’t have value.

May 29, 2015 at 8:11 AM

Has she had enough yet?

"Has she had enough yet?" clue

Has she had enough yet?

http://www.laineygossip.com/Has-she-had-enough-yet-blind-riddle/39643

You remember when he turned up in a small, out-of-the-way-of-Hollywood town not too long ago, for no apparent reason? He was trying to go undercover. Because it turns out, he was there with a woman…a very attractive woman… who is not his wife. They were seen holding hands at the hotel. But can you ever really hide? No. Not even out of the country. Not even by the sea. He ended up getting busted by fans and the local media got a hold of it. And the thing is, he told his wife that he was somewhere else. He and his companion have been having an affair for some time.

Again?

Of course it’s not the first time. He thought it wouldn’t get back to her that time in Oklahoma and that didn’t work out for him either. His wife forgave him then, as she always does, patiently supporting him as he works through his issues and compulsions. But he can’t help himself. When things are going well, he will always find a way to f-ck himself up. And now, finally, she may have had enough. Has she had enough yet? It isn’t instant forgiveness. Then again, he’s not exactly working hard to put it back together either. The temptations are too hard to resist. Last time he set his reputation on fire though, it was easier to forgive. And she helped him rehabilitate his image. Could he come back from betraying the perfect wife, walking out on a perfect home, and breaking up the perfect family?

May 28, 2015 at 8:02 AM

Related blind: 01 February 2011 Smutty Shout-Out

Update (7/7/15):
clue
reveal
denial: Rachel McAdams

Has she had enough yet?

"His ups and downs" reveal 2

http://www.laineygossip.com/Ben-Affleck-banned-from-blackjack-at-the-Hard-Rock-in-Vegas-for-counting-cards/30127

Oh the Ups and Downs of gambling…

Ahem.

AHEM.

I mean, if that wasn’t obvious enough. And if it was obvious, you should not be surprised about what happened to Ben Affleck in Vegas last week. He was at the Hard Rock playing blackjack, allegedly counting cards. The casino busted him and has reportedly banned him from gaming. Counting cards is not technically illegal but it’s definitely not condoned. If he wasn’t Ben Affleck, movie star and director, he would have had his ass beat in an alley. Now the media outlets are following up with stories about why he got caught. It’s because he’s “too good”. Like there’s some way to spin a positive out of this.

There is no positive.

But there are certainly triggers.

Affleck was apparently there to spend a “romantic getaway” with his wife Jennifer Garner before he begins shooting Batman vs Superman in Detroit. In Vegas? I go to Vegas all the time. AND I gamble in Vegas all the time. It’s not romantic. In fact, it’s the opposite. We don’t talk to each other when I’m gambling. That time is all for me.

You know who understands this really well?

Jennifer Lopez.

This was one of the problems between them. This has been one of Ben’s problems, always.

It’s the rush.

It’s the rush of gambling. The ups and downs of gambling. It’s the rush of…other things. The ups and downs of other things. Again, those triggers. For a dude who’s been to rehab (why is it that people always forget about this?), certain habits go together, side by side.

"Ben makes life tough for himself. He's got a lot of complication, and you know, he really is a great guy. So I hope he sorts himself out."

Pop Gossip Quiz – who said that?

It was Gwyneth Paltrow. And she was exactly right. Affleck is his own worst enemy, susceptible to everything that’s “MORE” and dangerous about fame and Hollywood. It wasn’t enough directing an Oscar-winning picture. He had to become a successful superhero to make up for Daredevil and he desperately wants recognition for acting. It’s not enough, family stability and industry respect. So we find ourselves back in that Affleck cycle. A comeback and a summit followed a drop. Rock bottom? And then he gets to start all over.

Finally I leave you with this, one of my favourite shots of all time from the era of Bennifer. Look at her face!

May 5, 2014 at 7:41 AM

His ups and downs

"His ups and downs" reveal 2

"His ups and downs" reveal 1

http://www.laineygossip.com/Ben-Affleck-dismounts-his-car-in-unsexy-way-maybe-his-back-hurts/30058

Is your back OK?

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner went for back massages together yesterday. Maybe not Ben’s most attractive sighting. Check the way he’s getting out the car. That’s a pretty un-sexy dismount, right there. It’s a half squat. With turned out feet. Yeah, not sexy. And what happens when he bends down isn’t cute either. But you can hardly blame him. Look, he appears to be experiencing some discomfort, back pain.

Oh, well, did he hurt his back?

If so, what do you think he’s taking for it? Just Robax, I’m sure, ahem. Nothing stronger, hell no, f-ck no.

Henry Cavill’s already been in Chicago a couple of weeks getting ready to start on Batman vs Superman. Um, right now it doesn’t look like much of a fight. But Sarah and I were talking about this last night over dinner: it’s like…Ben Affleck just can’t get over Daredevil. And in his desperation to try to make up for it, I don’t know if he’s going for the right choices. Besides, doesn’t DIRECTING AND PRODUCING AN OSCAR-winning movie even the score. No, actually. And never.

They’ll always want more and …ALL of it.

April 25, 2014 at 12:17

His ups and downs

"His ups and downs" reveal 1

"Old Grudges" reveal

http://www.laineygossip.com/Intro-for-February-28--2014/29545

Dear Gossips,

Oscar weekend is here! Will it be a Brange weekend too?

Both Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are confirmed as presenters on Sunday night. Mostly likely they were present individually. BUT…if they do take the stage together, come on, that becomes the moment, doesn’t it?

Jennifer Garner is on the presenters list too because of Dallas Buyers Club. Interestingly, Ben Affleck is not, even though his film Argo is the reigning Best Picture. You’ll recall however that Affleck did not take an individual award (ahem, he wasn’t nominated for Best Director – clue!) so I guess having him returning in an official capacity wasn’t an automatic. Still… does he just not show up at all?

But for all our talk of dress porn and who we might be falling over for, there is a dark horse that no one’s been paying attention: Penelope Cruz. She’s presenting. She’s kept a very low profile since the birth of her daughter. I can’t wait to see what she’s wearing. And if it’s a feathered skirt, I promise you will hear me rage.

February 28, 2014 at 7:14 AM

Old Grudges

"Old Grudges" reveal

His ups and downs

http://www.laineygossip.com/His-ups-and-downs-blind-riddle/29657

It’s hard to stay up. Every time he’s gone up, he’s always come back down. It was thought that that was only because he was young. And now, with children and a devoted wife, he was supposed to be able to hold it together. So far, sure, but just barely.

There were signs before Christmas but during the holidays, he injured his back on a ski trip. This was not widely disclosed and kept out of the press. Painkillers were prescribed. The big movie was pushed back. Cocktails were consumed in combination at events. No one remembers he actually went to rehab several years ago. Still, so far, he’s functioning. And things are great with his wife. She really tries to take care of him but she’s not always with him. When he’s out on his own, it gets messy. There have been times lately where he’s been so drunk, he’s the dude passed out on the couch when everyone else has gone home. Either that or he’s the dude who’s all over the tall, attractive model type at the Oscar party that his wife decided to skip. Oh yeah, that happened. It keeps happening. They were talking nose to nose. He gave her the full charm. A “later on” was definitely implied, while everyone around him just shrugged. Because it’s not the first time and it’s not the last time and it’s the secret they’re all expected to keep. Not because he doesn’t love the mother of his children, because he does, he really, really does. But between the pills and the alcohol, he’s losing control of that side of himself that’s been held in check for too long.

March 10, 2014 at 6:22 AM

Update (3/10/15):
reveal 1
reveal 2

His ups and downs

Old Grudges

http://www.laineygossip.com/Old-Grudges-blind-riddle/29470

Remember his big snub?

Turns out it had something to do with his perfect wife. You wouldn't think anyone could hold anything against her -- the ideal mother, the supportive spouse -- but this goes back years, when she was a candidate for a set-up. A very powerful man set her up with a single man who needed a girlfriend. A professional meeting turned into him knowing everything about her -- too much about her -- and a very strange gift: wildlife. She ran the f-ck away and didn't look back, offending the major Hollywood player who tried to broker the romance. He was so disappointed in her that he put out the word -- he won't work with her anymore. And eventually, when it came for her now-husband to rise to acclaim, and against his own project no less, he called in every contact he could to make sure that the husband's name wasn't included, though in the end, even he couldn't control the outcome.

February 19, 2014 at 9:09 AM

Update (3/9/15): 
reveal (Jennifer Garner & Ben Affleck) 

Old Grudges

Exes & Wives

http://www.laineygossip.com/Exes-and-Wives-blind-riddle/25548

Just some personality and colour I thought you might enjoy...

Comeback Kid only dates famous girls. When he and Golden were together, he stepped out on her twice that she knows of: once with a stripper and the other with Pigtails. But even though it’s been years, and she’s well moved on, Golden still has a hard time hearing Pigtails’ music. Her trainer made the mistake of playing it once when they were working out. She demanded that it be turned off immediately and never again while she’s in studio.

While Golden can’t let go of her resentment, Comeback’s wife, the PM, can’t help it either. People assume that it’s his other, more curvier ex, who makes her crazy but homemaker to homemaker, it’s actually Golden who she can’t stand, and has been overheard disparaging, unimpressed with her skills and her ideas, rolling her eyes when her name comes up.

December 31, 2012 at 12:06

Comeback Kid: Ben Affleck
Golden: Gwyneth Paltrow
The PM/Comeback's wife: Jennifer Garner
Pigtails: Britney Spears

Update (7/7/17):
"Pigtails" reveal
"PM" reveal

Exes & Wives