Ben Affleck has finally addressed the viral "Sad Affleck" memes that have taken over the internet, featuring him in various states of distress while clutching his beloved Dunkin' Donuts beverages.
In a recent interview with British GQ, the actor revealed the ironic twist behind these now-famous photos. Affleck explained that the memes emerged from his attempts to actually avoid paparazzi attention.
"I thought maybe if I wear the same outfit every day or just look disheveled, the photos wouldn't be interesting," Affleck said. "But no—then you become the sad Affleck meme spilling the coffee."
The memes capture various moments: Affleck struggling with multiple coffees and donuts, balancing an iced coffee on wet packages outside his home, and taking a contemplative smoke break with his signature troubled expression.
Rather than being bothered by his internet fame, Affleck admits he finds humor in the situation. "Which I have to say I think is kind of funny," he noted in the interview.
The actor has even embraced his association with the coffee and donut chain, participating in Dunkin' Donuts advertising campaigns, including a 2023 Super Bowl commercial where he playfully recreated one of his viral moments.
For Affleck, the connection to Dunkin' runs deeper than memes. As a Boston native, he shared with People magazine that the chain was deeply woven into his childhood memories, from post-Little League game treats to routine coffee runs.
"In Boston, it was such a big deal," Affleck reflected. "This was the place that everybody would go to get munchkins and coffee. It was like the thing that everybody did."
What started as an attempt to dodge the spotlight has transformed into an endearing part of Affleck's public persona, proving sometimes the best response to becoming a meme is simply joining in on the joke.