Long before Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson or Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson, another SNL staffer entered an unexpected romance with a Hollywood A-lister.
We’re talking, of course, about Lindsay Shookus, who’s been dating Good Will Hunting screenwriter and noted awful tattoo enthusiast Ben Affleck for over a year now.
For the past several months, rumors about Affleck and Shookus getting married have been circulating non-stop.
In fact, some have gone so far as to claim the only thing holding the couple back is the fact that Ben is still married to Jennifer Garner.
While that’s technically true, we’re sure the couple could iron things out and sign the papers in a hurry if need be.
After all, it’s not like they’re getting back together, and they’re both independently wealthy.
Ben was Batman, and Jen’s Capital One commercials now feature cameos from Captain Obvious himself!
Now, sources say what’s really holding up the proceedings are concerns about Affleck and Garner’s kids.
But this isn’t your typical Hollywood custody battle — sources say Ben and Jen both want to divide up time with their children as equitably as possible.
No, what’s holding up the parade is the fact that Jen reportedly doesn’t want Lindsay anywhere near her kids.
“Jen doesn’t want the kids around Lindsay or having her in their lives. She has many reasons,” a source tells Us Weekly.
“Ben understands and has honored her request.”
Needless to say, Jen’s stance complicates the situation just a bit.
We imagine it’s tough to be a good stepmom when you’re not allowed to see your stepkids.
But amazingly, it seems Ben is totally cool with his ex’s request.
“They’re good friends,” the source adds.
“She wants him to be honest and he usually is. She tends to find out about things, and Ben is very open with her. They both want what’s best for the kids and have made a commitment to see that through.”
The insider says that in all likelihood, Jen will eventually relax her anti-Shookus stance.
But one thing she’ll remain vigilant about is Affleck’s drinking.
“The one thing she’s not flexible on is sobriety,” the source tells Us.
“Jen is hesitant to sign off until she’s certain that the kids will be in the best hands at all time.”
The insider adds:
“Finalizing the divorce has been a long process because of it.”
The source was mum on the question of whether or not the fact that Ben and Lindsay have been seen drinking together has contributed to Garner’s skepticism.
But you don’t have to be the world’s greatest detective to piece that one together.
