Ben Affleck sparks controversy with viral smoking moment

Ben Affleck sparked attention on Monday night outside the Sunset Tower Hotel in Hollywood as he was seen smoking a cigarette while leaning back and tossing his head.

The 53-year-old actor’s casual moment quickly grabbed fans’ attention online, with many predicting it would become another viral meme.

Affleck wore a three-piece suit with his top buttons open, appearing relaxed after a night out.

The Batman actor appeared holding the cigarette in his mouth without using his hands at times, giving off a carefree, almost theatrical vibe.

Jennifer Lopez’s ex-husband has a long history with smoking, as he started as a teenager and, at one point, smoked a pack a day.

In 2005, the Good Will Hunting star quit after hypnotherapy sessions suggested by Matt Damon, after his former wife Jennifer Garner’s pregnancy with their first child.

He later said the sessions made him realise how harmful nicotine was and that quitting improved his health.

Despite that, the Deep Water actor resumed smoking over the years. Last August, he was seen chain-smoking in his car the day after Lopez filed for divorce.

This year, sources reported he was thinking about quitting again and might try hypnotherapy once more.

Over time, Ben has also been open about his struggles with alcohol, making his personal life as closely followed as his career.