Ben Affleck's rehab stint didn't affect his Batman involvement, source says

Ben Affleck, who most recently has been in the news for dropping off as the director of D.C. Entertainment’s Batman sequel, just revealed that he recently completed a rehab stint for alcohol abuse. The 44-year old multi-hyphenate announced the news on his Facebook page today.

According to a source, Affleck’s alcohol addiction treatment didn’t affect his involvement in The Batman, and he’s still working on the script for the planned sequel with D.C.’s chief creative officer Geoff Johns. It was announced last month that Matt Reeves (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) will take over Affleck’s directing duties though the actor will still star in the yet-to-be-greenlit film.

Affleck’s rep declined to supply the dates or length of his rehab stint. The Academy Award-winner presented the Best Original Screenplay Oscar to Kenneth Lonergan for his screenplay Manchester By the Sea at the 89th Oscars last month. And as recently as December, he was out promoting his film Live By Night, which Warner Bros. released on Christmas Day. The film was a commercial disappointment, generating only $21 million in worldwide box office grosses.

Affleck’s statement reads:

I have completed treatment for alcohol addiction; something I’ve dealt with in the past and will continue to confront. I want to live life to the fullest and be the best father I can be. I want my kids to know there is no shame in getting help when you need it, and to be a source of strength for anyone out there who needs help but is afraid to take the first step. I’m lucky to have the love of my family and friends, including my co-parent, Jen, who has supported me and cared for our kids as I’ve done the work I set out to do. This was the first of many steps being taken towards a positive recovery.

Affleck will next be seen in D.C.’s Justice League (due out Nov. 17).