In an interview with comedian Kevin Hart, Ben Affleck said that his “eternally scowling” facial expression in paparazzi photographs is due to his dislike of increased attention. Pravilamag.ru reports this with reference to CNN.

"I'm a little shy," Affleck admitted. “I don't like so much attention. People see me and think, “What's wrong with this guy? He's always on edge." And I’m just on edge because someone shoves a camera in my face and I have to endure it.”

The actor emphasized that it is especially difficult for him to restrain negative emotions when he is photographed with children.

“I don’t mind if you take pictures of me leaving the club, after the premiere, and so on... I don’t even notice you. But when I’m with my children, it’s different,” the actor shared.

In response, the presenter suggested that Affleck had “bitch face syndrome.” Affleck agreed, but jokingly clarified that he rather has “stern face syndrome.”

Repeatedly, the sad expression on Ben Affleck's face in the photo became the reason for memes.

The actor himself tries to treat the situation with humor. In March 2023, he called the Jimmy Kimmel Show a "common misconception" that he is always sad. “I just have such a miserable face when I’m relaxed,” Affleck joked. “God created me this way. You don’t need to punish me for this.”