This week’s People magazine cover story features a grinning Jennifer Garner on the cover with the blinding yellow headline, “Life After Heartbreak.”
The cover story goes on to discuss how the actress and mother of three is handling life post Ben Affleck. More specifically how she’s “moving on, finding happiness — and starting over at 45.” Online, the story cites an anonymous source for the feature.
Upon hearing about the cover story from numerous friends and family, Garner was not impressed. The actress addressed the article in a statement on her Facebook page, denouncing the story:
“It has been brought to my attention that there is a People magazine cover and article out today that appear to be coming from me. It isn't unusual for me to receive calls from loved ones thinking I forgot to tell them I am pregnant -- with twins! -- (Geez Louise), but those are so ridiculous they're easy to ignore,” she stated.
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The Alias star proceeded to set the record straight.
“This isn't a tragedy by any measure, but it does affect me and my family and so, before my mom's garden club lights up her phone, I wanted to set the record straight: I did not pose for this cover. I did not participate in or authorize this article. While we are here, for what it's worth: I have three wonderful kids and my family is complete.”
The message was signed with love. While it’s common practice for tabloids to use “anonymous sources” for cover stories, it’s safe to say most celebrities brush it off (at least publicly) unless the story is defamatory. Then again, having loved ones and friends contact you every time they see your face splattered across the cover of a glossy has to be exhausting. It’s easy to see why Garner settled the matter.
A People spokesperson addressed the matter with the following statement to E! News: "PEOPLE covers Hollywood stars beloved by our audience, and our story on Jennifer Garner is fair and truthful. To be clear, it does not include rumors and does not say she's pregnant. We wish her well."
Despite the headlines surrounding Garner and Affleck’s divorce, it seems the two are doing just fine. In an authorized interview with People earlier in May, Affleck — who’s also an accomplished director — confessed that there is one woman he’d love to direct in a movie: his ex-wife.
"I would love to [direct Garner], are you kidding me?" the Oscar winner revealed to People. “I think that would be great. I’ve often said that I want to direct a movie that Jennifer was in because I think she’s so great and she could do something really cool."