Zac Affleck Sets the Record Straight on His Relationship to Ben Affleck in ‘Mormon Wives’

Fans of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” shouldn’t expect to see Ben Affleck make an appearance on the Hulu reality series anytime soon.

Since the show debuted in 2024, cast member Jen Affleck created a buzz by claiming her husband, Zac Affleck, was linked to the actor through marriage. This led genealogists to investigate the Affleck family lineage and cast doubt on the alleged connection.

What’s the real story? In Season 2, her husband Zac Affleck sets the record straight. Here’s what you need to know.

What sparked the belief that Jen Affleck is related to Ben Affleck?

In Season 1 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” Jen Affleck asserted that her husband Zac Affleck was Ben Affleck’s second cousin.

“I’m definitely the first Jennifer Affleck,” she remarked, referring to Ben Affleck’s ex-wife, Jennifer Lopez. “Not only that, her middle name is the same as mine: Jennifer Lynn Affleck. Who knows, maybe we can convert them to the church.”

Jen Affleck seemed to embrace the connection, singing to Lopez’s hit “Jenny From the Block” in a TikTok video from September 2024.

“The new Jenny from the block,” was the caption.

The #MomTok influencer also humorously addressed the supposed link in a comedic video from 2022, where she danced while the text appeared: “When you thought you were going to be the next JLO… But instead… She stole your name.”

What does Zac Affleck reveal about the rumors in Season 2?

This topic arises in Season 2, Episode 2, as the couple contemplates costumes for a Halloween party.

Jen jokingly suggests they dress up as Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, claiming, “He is your second cousin.”

“No, he’s not,” Zac responds.

“Yes, yes,” she insists.

“OK, if that’s what you want to keep telling people,” he replies.

“I mean, that’s what your family told me,” she counters.

“That is not true,” Zac asserts.

In a confessional interview, the #MomTok star expresses that she finds the “whole Ben Affleck thing” “hilarious.”

“If anyone was related to Ben Affleck, that’s something they’d definitely mention,” she notes. “Zac is just trying to downplay it, even though his family did tell me that.”

While discussing this with Jen, Zac appears reluctant to continue the topic.

“You’re not going to make me feel foolish when that’s all I’ve been told from your family,” she says.

Zac then clarifies that he “never claimed” any relation to the star.

“I’ve heard that as a joke. No one’s ever claimed to be related to him except you,” he explains.

In a confessional, he elaborates that he has no clarity on whether he is related to Ben Affleck, stating, “It had always been a running joke in my family; never serious. So when Jen started saying that, I did tell her, ‘I think you shouldn’t mention that anymore. It could backfire.’”

Returning to their conversation, Jen reminds Zac that his grandfather had mentioned meeting Ben Affleck during his childhood.

“I had heard that,” Zac acknowledges.

“So don’t make me look crazy,” she retorts.

“I’m not trying to make you look crazy. I’m just saying you ran with it when I said not to,” he clarifies.

“Of course I ran with that! I’m second cousins with Ben Affleck!” she exclaims.

“You’re not. Or maybe you are,” he replies, keeping the possibility open.

So, are they really related or not?

During the promotion of Season 2 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” Jen Affleck has frequently mentioned the Ben Affleck rumors.

In an interview with People, she kept things ambiguous, stating, “I mentioned it once and the press ran with it, and that feels like all I’ve discussed since then.”

“But at this point, if I happen to meet Ben Affleck and J.Lo, then fantastic,” she added.

In a conversation with Us Weekly, the reality star provided a more conclusive response, expressing that she remains “still shocked” and “confused” that her husband isn’t connected to the actor.