Ben Affleck Reveals Why He Got ‘Banned’ from Instagram Twice

Ben Affleck has revealed his failed attempts to use Instagram. He said when he tried registering for the platform, he was banned twice for impersonation. The actor said he created an account primarily to check on his children’s social media activity. However, his limited use of the platform did not go as planned.

“I got banned from Instagram twice for impersonating myself,” 

Affleck shared the story during a recent interview with Variety on October 7, 2026. The conversation came while discussing Animals, a crime thriller in which he plays a mayoral candidate whose family faces a kidnapping crisis. The film also stars Kerry Washington and is directed by Affleck.

The actor explained that his account had only six followers, which includes his children and their friends.

Affleck has three children, Violet, Fin and Samuel, with his former wife, Jennifer Garner. Although divorced, they have continued to co-parent. 

Photo: Getty Images

Affleck also questioned the value of actors maintaining a constant presence on social media. He acknowledged the importance of online popularity in the entertainment industry. 

He also recognised the work involved in building an online brand. Referring to his former wives, Garner and Jennifer Lopez, he praised their ability to cultivate their social media audiences.

However, Affleck admitted that the same approach would not suit him. He questioned what he would contribute as an influencer and joked about the prospect of making unboxing videos.

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His comments show a longstanding preference for keeping aspects of his private life away from public view. Affleck said there was a time when people could say or do things without public scrutiny. 

“There used to be a time when everything you said or did wasn’t on the permanent record,” he said. “As you get older, you become aware of what that means. I experienced the whole world and had a whole life in private. I have a real sense of how valuable that is.”

Photo: Getty Images

He pointed to respected actors such as Daniel Day-Lewis, Meryl Streep, Viola Davis and Denzel Washington. In his view, their acting abilities speak for themselves. 

Despite his reluctance to embrace Instagram, Affleck’s remains popular. Affleck has appeared in several Dunkin’ advertising campaigns, including the brand’s 2023 Super Bowl commercial.