For Tom Brady’s three-hour live Netflix comedy Sunday night, Ben Affleck made a surprise appearance near the end of the show to join other stars in throwing zingers at the retired football legend.
But Affleck found himself the target of some pretty wild commentary for what was described as a “cringe-worthy” and “disturbed” performance at the greatest roast of all time: Tom Brady. People had a lot to say about Affleck’s tirade against Brady’s criticism on social media, as well as the 51-year-old actor’s physical appearance, speculating that his shiny, smooth face must be the result of cosmetic surgery and possible pressure exerted on him by his Jennifer Lopez, wife concerned about his image.
Even Affleck realized, in real time, that his aggrieved speech, intended to honor Brady, may not have been as well received, whether in the audience at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, or among television viewers broadcasting the event.
“I don’t think I’ll get this chance again.” In fact, I’ll probably never work again after tonight,” the “Argo” star said.
Certainly, Affleck’s grievance-laden speech at the roast began making headlines overnight like Kim Kardashian’s, with the reality star facing a long, loud chorus of boos before even be able to start talking.
Affleck began hurling expletives almost as soon as he took the stage, directing his anger at social media users who he said were hiding behind their anonymity to criticize Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion.
“The fans support you,” said Boston-raised Affleck, who is an avid New England Patriots fan and longtime friend of Brady. “You guys talk (expletive), okay, behind your (expletive) keyboard, that doesn’t make you a fan. That makes you a (expletive).
Affleck also talked about how Brady and other professional athletes have to read mean comments online despite everything they’ve given on the field.
“I can’t think of a more (exhaustive), dysfunctional, horrible work system designed to perpetually make people feel horrible,” Affleck exclaimed to the audience.
Affleck is certainly right about the toxic discourse online, but he invited some of that discourse to be thrown in his direction.
“Ben Affleck was raving about fans on social media during the Tom Brady roast, that wasn’t on my bingo card,” one person said. written the.
Another user compared Affleck’s speech to a car accident,” while a third wrote: “Next time have someone else do it, never invite Ben Affleck nomo #TomBradyRoast.”
Many comments on social media brought up Affleck’s appearance, speculating that he may have received surgical enhancements ahead of Monday night’s Netflix roast and Met Gala. Lopez is co-chair of the gala and is expected to make a splash by walking the red carpet in a grandiose outfit, probably with Affleck, her fourth husband, as her escort.
“Ben Affleck’s facelift looks crazy,” said a personwhile another added, “Ben Affleck couldn’t afford good plastic surgery? No wonder he looked so angry. It’s permanent.
“Is that Ben Affleck?” » said another person, according to the Daily Mail. “Why is his face so different?” It’s almost like he’s done a few pinches and tucks.
Another person referenced Lopez’s emphasis on always looking polished in public, but suggested Affleck had taken his wife’s concerns too far, the Daily Mail also reported. “Someone tell Ben Affleck that comedy needs facial expressions. This guy needs to stay away from JLO’s surgeon,” someone said.
Others weighed in on Affleck’s overall performance when roasting Brady, with one person saying, “Ben Affleck was horrible.” »
In his speech, Affleck alluded to the fact that he himself has long been the target of harsh comments online, particularly during the “sad Affleck” period of his personal and professional life. He referenced people who were “making (expletive) memes” of him, “looking (expletive) down,” with a Simon and Garfunkel song playing in the background.
Affleck also said he knows what it’s like to be a celebrity, facing professional setbacks but still having to “talk to the cameras.” “Even in my business, even when you do ‘Justice League’ … you have the world press tour,” he said.
Perhaps Affleck’s performance at the roast was his way of trolling the trolls, predicting that if he came out angry he would have a reaction, even a negative one. With Affleck’s recent projects, he has shown an awareness of his sometimes difficult public persona.
These projects include her appearance in Lopez’s documentary, “The Greatest Love Story Ever Told,” which focuses on their relationship. In the documentary, Affleck admitted that he had to learn to follow his wife’s wishes to make certain aspects of his private life public.
On a more humorous note, the Oscar winner poked fun at his need to reinvent himself after marrying Lopez while filming an extended Dunkin Donuts commercial that aired during the Super Bowl. In the ad, Affleck stars as the hapless star of a boy band, with Brady and his other longtime friend Matt Damon, and makes a fool of himself by trying to rap and dance.
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