The Truth About Ben Affleck And Ana De Armas' Split

The new year is bringing a new start for Ben Affleck, but not necessarily a positive one. Sources confirm to People and other publications that The Way Back actor has parted ways with Ana deArmas, best known for her role in the acclaimed Knives Out. The news came as a shock to those who thought the couple was rock-solid; Affleck and deArmas had been together for nearly a year, and had recently begun living together in Affleck's $20 million LA digs after the actress sold her own house. The two also spent Thanksgiving together with his three children from his previous marriage to Jennifer Garner.

People explains that the split was amicable and based partly on geographical reasons. "Their relationship was complicated," says one source. "Ana doesn't want to be Los Angeles based and Ben obviously has to, since his kids live in Los Angeles." Another insider adds, "They are in different points in their lives; there is deep love and respect there." However, the sources appear to disagree on who initiated the breakup; one claims it was deArmas, while the other calls the parting "mutual."

The couple met and began dating in early 2020 during production of the film Deep Water, and it wasn't long before they were inseparable. They got cozy on a vacation to Costa Rica and her native Cuba that winter, and spent Memorial Day with his kids, Seraphina, Violet, and Samuel (via Us Weekly). Even as late as November, the two seemed snuggly as they refilmed some scenes of their movie. The Golden Globe-nominated deArmas posted a photo of them on her Instagram feed in August, captioned simply with two hearts. For his birthday a few days later, she presented him with a custom-built motorcycle. 

However, it seems that Affleck may simply be shifting his priorities and putting romance on the back burner. A source told Us, "Ben's been quiet lately. He's been working on writing his next movie since October, so he's hunkered down on that." He may also be focusing more time on being a father; his new home, dubbed a "dad pad" by The Sun, has tons of kid-appealing amenities such as a pool, trampoline, playhouse, outdoor ping-pong table, and a deluxe swing set. 

While he may be single for the moment, Affleck still has a supportive partner in ex-wife Garner. Despite their divorce, the exes maintain a warm relationship, and in 2018 Garner helped Affleck get help for his alcohol dependency (per Elle). Last Mother's Day, he posted a shot of her with his mother, calling them "two incredible mothers who have shown me the meaning of love."