Gwyneth Paltrow Suggests Infidelity and Self-Destructive Behavior Led to Her Breakup with Ben Affleck

Gwyneth Paltrow has hinted that her three-year relationship with Ben Affleck, which lasted from 1997 to 2000, may have ended due to infidelity and his troubled personal life. In a forthcoming biography, Amy Odell’s “Gwyneth: The Biography,” it is claimed that their physical chemistry was not enough to overcome Affleck’s self-destructive tendencies, including possible cheating.

Odell states that Affleck was battling alcoholism and a gambling addiction during their relationship, which Gwyneth found intellectually attractive. However, she also admitted that his inconsistent affection and focus on playing video games with friends often caused issues. Odell reports that Gwyneth enjoyed their sex life and was open about her satisfaction, sometimes sharing details with close friends.

After their split, Gwyneth was quoted saying, “I love men, even though they’re lying, cheating scumbags.” When they dated, Affleck’s struggles reportedly included issues with addiction, which gave Gwyneth reservations despite her admiration for his intelligence. She believed he was more interested in video games than their relationship.

During their time together, they acted in films like “Shakespeare in Love” and “Bounce.” Gwyneth previously reflected on their relationship, telling a talk show host in 2015 that Affleck wasn’t in a good place emotionally during their affair, and her family was supportive of their breakup.

In recent interviews, Gwyneth compared her past lovers’ bedroom chemistry, noting Brad Pitt’s passionate connection with her and Ben Affleck’s technical proficiency. After her relationship with Affleck, she married Chris Martin in 2003—divorcing in 2016—and later wed Brad Falchuk in the same year.