Ben Affleck has finally weighed in on the paparazzi photos that turned him into one of the internet’s favorite memes. The actor admitted he has learned to laugh at the viral snapshots, even if they sometimes overshadow his work. During a recent appearance on Subway Takes, Affleck also explained why those famous Dunkin’ runs and cigarette photos don’t always tell the full story.
Ben Affleck discusses his famous Dunkin’ and cigarette photos on Subway Takes
Ben Affleck opened up about his viral paparazzi moments while appearing on Subway Takes Uncut with host Kareem Rahma. Promoting his upcoming film Animals, the Oscar winner shared one piece of advice: “You should never be photographed eating or smoking.”
Affleck admitted those candid photos have followed him for years. “It hasn’t served me very well,” he joked. He also said paparazzi often photograph him grabbing food, making it seem as though there is a negative story behind an ordinary moment. “They love to take a picture of me at a drive-through eating a burger,” Affleck said. “The subtext to me is, ‘Look, what an a-hole.'”
Rahma pointed out that the memes sometimes overshadow Affleck’s acclaimed work, including Argo. The actor quickly agreed, saying he doesn’t enjoy that part of the attention. However, Affleck also defended his now-iconic Dunkin Donuts photos. Referring to the images of him juggling coffee cups and donut boxes, he joked, “You haven’t ever carried donuts?”
He explained that the internet makes those mishaps look worse than they really are. According to Affleck, multiple photographers capture the same moment from different angles, making one spill appear like several separate incidents. “I spill things just like the next guy,” he said. “It’s just that the times I spill get a lot of coverage.”
Despite becoming a popular meme, Affleck said he no longer minds the jokes. He even embraces the image of looking permanently exhausted with a cigarette in hand. “I actually don’t mind the memes,” he said. “We have had those days.” Affleck added that while his resting expression may look “beleaguered,” it could always be worse.
