Recent revelations surrounding Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s failed marriage have surprised the fans as well as media relations with a bizarre cause JLo alcohol brand. When it comes to his breakup with Lopez, insiders say Affleck’s decision was closely tied to her getting in on the alcohol industry — a business that hits close for homeboy with him fighting through documented bouts of addiction to booze.
The Alcohol Brand Controversy
Jennifer Lopez must be the newest celebrity to launch her premium vodka brand, Della. It is campaigned as a brand that capitalizes on making people feel happier thanks to our dear friend, alcohol by running bright and bouncy ads along those lines. The latter point could be a touchy issue for Affleck, who has publicly struggled with alcohol addiction and whose drinking was said to have been part of the reason he split up from Lopez.
Insiders close to Affleck said he felt “devastated” when he found out about Lopez’s alcohol venture. His anger lies not only within the monetary implications of the brand but with what he claims is a very irresponsible level of alcohol promotion. Viewed in light of Affleck’s experience with recovery and the toll his previous battle had on him outside of a very public split, he sees Lopez opening up shop against not only as an act that cuts deep personally — it could also become pernicious messageing seen to weaken his struggles for sobriety.
The Impact of Alcohol Promotion on Recovery
We all know that Ben Affleck has had his demons with alcohol, going on multiple trips to rehab and many different times when he tried (and failed) to get sober. A recovering addict can scarcely watch a television program or walk down the street with out being bombarded by alcohol promotions. Lopez for drinks instead of the millions he previously had with which “seemed a bit beyond” Affleck, who then started his path to sobriety in earnest.
“Ben Affleck had to struggle with getting his life back after he overcame alcohol,” one pal said. Given how he lost everything, the love of… his family and so on; it is possible that we may see a slide right back into addiction. This just shows how seriously Affleck took his wife’s new business and the battle he was facing emotionally over her decision.
Public Reaction and Skepticism
The news of what led to the divorce has fostered speculation from fans and media reporters. Others said Affleck’s own continuing struggles with alcohol, which has been rumoured to have played a role in his romantic separation after the divorce news came out, called into question whether it could be Lopez ‘s brands that ultimately shattered them. Affleck´s drinking has made the chatter circuits, with claims he started when word of his martial woes first erupted.
The Broader Implications
It is an example of the tangled lines between private strife and public life. To others, Affleck’s battle with sobriety serves as a stark example of the hardships that come along with recovery. When you live your life in the public eye, making one choice that involves a high-profile partner and shining light on alcohol could literally lead to someone relapsing.
It also brings up questions as to what responsibility celebrities have when they market things that could effect people with vulnerabilities. Although Lopez’s foray into the spirits industry could be framed as a business move, it touches on wider public health issues, alcohol addiction and even where celebrity endorsements factored in to this new partnership.
Looking Ahead
While the celebrities navigate what becoming un-engaged really means, their personal and professional existence is undeniably being dissected by more than just mainstream new outlets. For fans and for people who love these musicians, an insight into the larger side of what their personal choices means as to the struggles faced by other addicts in itself offers relativity.
For those looking to discover more about the world of alcohol recovery and how celebrities are enlisted, there is a wealth of support out there. Instead, take a look recovery programs and counseling or health/wellness resources designed to let you learn more about addiction and staying sober.
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