Ben Affleck Opens Up About His Feelings on those Heartfelt Dunkin’ Donuts Memes

Ben Affleck is expressing his views on his “Sad Affleck” meme. 

The performer, aged 52, discussed tabloid culture in a recent conversation with GQ, during which he reflected on the numerous photos that the paparazzi have captured of him appearing quite downcast while juggling Dunkin’ Donuts. In one widely circulated image, his carefully balanced coffee collection is seen collapsing as he sports a distressed expression. 

When questioned about tabloids, Affleck revealed to the publication he’s “been compelled to analyze it to try to comprehend: what is it?”

He went on, “Because naturally you think, like, ‘Alright, maybe I’ll just wear the identical outfit every single day, so the images won’t be recognizable.’ Or maybe: ‘I’ll just appear like a mess,’ and I’m like, ‘nope’ – then you end up becoming the sad Affleck meme spilling the coffee.”

Regarding the meme, the Accountant 2 star mentioned that he finds it “sort of amusing.”

He elaborated on tabloid culture, “So I believe it’s just a result of the fact that I’ve invested time pondering over genuinely trying to understand it.”

Affleck humorously acknowledged the meme in a Dunkin’ advertisement that was broadcast during the 2024 Grammy Awards. The previous year, the Dunkin’ enthusiast attended the award ceremony with his then-spouse Jennifer Lopez and triggered a flood of memes when he was captured looking unimpressed.

This moment is featured in the advertisement as a news segment of Affleck and Lopez at the 2023 Grammys plays on a screen with the headline: “Boredest Man in the World.”

“Keep laughing,” Affleck remarks as he observes the news coverage while sipping on an iced Dunkin’ coffee. “He’s bored. No. Steady. Always monitoring. I can achieve that. How difficult can it be?”

Affleck has appeared in numerous Dunkin’ advertisements throughout the years – including one that was aired during February’s Super Bowl. 

The actor spoke exclusively with PEOPLE on the Massachusetts location of his Dunkin’ Super Bowl advertisement in 2023, where he portrayed an employee of the coffee brand. “I believe people already kind of assume that I work for Dunkin’,” he chuckled.

“In Boston, it was such a significant matter,” Affleck clarified. “I think I became somewhat linked with it, and this felt like a fun chance to play with that connection, as well as an opportunity to return here to film it at home in Boston.”