Ben Affleck blames relationship with Jennifer Lopez for Gigli flop backlash

The two dated for two years, but called off engagement in 2004.

Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck opened up about his flop film with Jennifer Lopez Reuters

Ben Affleck is upset over the constant scrutiny over his 2003 romantic comedy film, Gigli. The 44-year-old actor blamed his relationship with Jennifer Lopez at the time for the negative media hype.

Affleck and Lopez dated for two years, but called off engagement in 2004. During a TimesTalk, he said: "It could have been a bad movie no one cared about. Angelina Jolie had a bad movie [Beyond Borders/Tomb Raider] that year and nobody cared."

"But because I was dating Jennifer Lopez that made it a big f***ing deal, you know? And not only is it a bad movie but, 'They're dating each other in the bad movie!'"

He continued: "It got fairly maligned. I literally remember there was a reporter doing like a stand-up with his camera out in front of the theater that Friday morning, [saying] 'Here I am outside of Gigli, and as you can see, no one in line for the movie today!' I was like, 'What is this, hurricane coverage?'"

Meanwhile, Affleck had revealed he is in good terms with Lopez despite the split. He told The Hollywood Reporter: "We do have the kind of relationship where there'll be an email saying, 'Oh, your movie looks great.'"

"I remember when she got American Idol. I said, 'This was really smart. Good luck.' I touch base. I respect her. I like her. She's put up with some stuff that was unfair in her life, and I'm really pleased to see her successful," he added.