Ben Affleck has expressed empathy for Britney Spears, citing the intense media scrutiny she has faced throughout her career. In a recent appearance on Theo Von's "This Past Weekend" podcast, the 52-year-old actor reflected on how the constant attention from paparazzi and the public eye can affect a celebrity's mental well-being.
Affleck stated that he felt compassion for Spears, particularly during what he recognized as one of the most challenging periods in her life. While clarifying that he doesn't personally know Spears, he noted that he, like everyone else, has seen the "s**t that comes through" regarding her. Drawing from his own experiences with media attention, Affleck understands the pressure of being constantly followed by photographers and the impact it can have on an individual. He alluded to Spears' highly publicized struggles, including her breakdown in 2008 and subsequent 13-year conservatorship, which ended in 2021.
Affleck described the media frenzy surrounding high-profile individuals as a form of "collective cruelty". He likened the paparazzi's behavior to "poking a stick at the tiger," suggesting that their constant harassment and provocation only exacerbate the situation. He explained that the public often only sees the "growling animal" – the celebrity's reaction – without recognizing the instigating role of the media. Affleck believes that this cycle of harassment can create a "tizzy," making it difficult to discern what is real and what is a manufactured response to the constant pressure.
Affleck emphasized that the intense scrutiny Spears faced might have contributed to some of her behavior, which was often criticized by the media. He suggested that her actions might have been reactions to the relentless pressure and provocation from the paparazzi. He added that it's important to maintain perspective and try to remove oneself from the situation, which is what he tries to do.
Despite not knowing Spears personally, Affleck is familiar with the cycle of "having people harangue you and yell at you and hassle you and follow you". He recognizes that this constant pressure can significantly impact a person's mental state, leading to a "tizzy".
Notably, Affleck's comments come after Spears claimed in a since-deleted social media post from February 2024 that she had "made out" with him years earlier. The photo attached to the post was from 1999 and also featured Diane Warren. Affleck did not address the alleged incident directly during the podcast appearance.
Affleck's remarks shed light on the darker side of fame and the toll that constant media attention can take on celebrities. By sharing his own experiences and expressing empathy for Spears, he hopes to raise awareness about the "collective cruelty" that can occur when individuals are subjected to relentless scrutiny.
