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Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck were married for over a decade before they finalized their divorce in 2018. Now, Affleck is married to Jennifer Lopez and reportedly seeks marital advice from his ex-wife. Well before Affleck rekindled his flame with Lopez, he briefly dated a 22-year-old model and took her on a trip to Montana. Here’s what to know about Affleck’s Montana trip with Shauna Sexton in 2018.

Ben Affleck took his 22-year-old girlfriend, Shauna Sexton, to Montana a day after finalizing his divorce

Ben Affleck, 46, was linked to 22-year-old Playboy model Shauna Sexton while finalizing his divorce from Jennifer Garner. The couple was first seen together in August 2018 — two months before Affleck and Garner made their split legally official. A week after Affleck and Sexton were seen together, Affleck checked himself into a rehab facility for alcohol addiction. Sexton reportedly visited Affleck in the facility and was spotted driving his SUV.

The day after Affleck and Garner finalized their divorce in October 2018, Affleck took Sexton on a trip to Montana. “Montana is a special place for Ben. It’s where he can go to get away,” Affleck’s friend told People. “He has spent a lot of time there, both with the family and by himself at his house. It’s a good and a healthy place for him to be. He goes there to clear his mind and be out in nature. There’s no distractions, and it’s very peaceful.”

While Affleck and Garner vacationed in Montana with their three kids in the past, Affleck and Sexton went on a solo trip in 2018. “They are having fun,” the friend continued. “She is up for anything, and he likes spending time with her. It’s very easy and casual.”

Shauna Sexton and Ben Affleck broke up after just a few months of dating

A close-up of Playboy Playmate Shauna Sexton with heavy makeup in 2018
Playboy Playmate Shauna Sexton arrives at Playboy’s Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Marquee Nightclub in Las Vegas in 2018 | Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images
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Ben Affleck and Shauna Sexton didn’t last long. Their romance ended days after their Montana trip and two months into their romance. A friend of Affleck’s told People that the actor wanted to focus on himself and his sobriety.

“He enjoyed being with her but is working on himself, and being together with her at this time is not something that works,” the friend said. “He will date in the future, but for now, his focus is on his sobriety, family, and his next project.”

Sexton’s friend, photographer Martin Murillo, told Page Six that the relationship negatively affected her career as a model. “If I’m talking to an agent from LA Models, the first thing they [note] is that she’s dating Ben ­Affleck,” Murillo said. “It could be a good thing, but I think they see it as, ‘Oh, here’s just another model wanting attention.’”

Murillo also noted that Sexton knew she and Affleck had to stop dating after paparazzi arrived at her day job at the Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center of Thousand Oaks, California.

“I know it was affecting the people at her work, so she decided to leave,” Murillo said.

Jennifer Garner remains close with her ex-husband and helps him with Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck sustained a friendship after their divorce. In 2024, they seem closer than ever, as Garner helps Affleck navigate his marital troubles with Jennifer Lopez.

“People close to Ben have been concerned about him for some time,” a source told OK! Magazine. “He’s in a bad place and has been isolating. Jen’s opening up to friends like never before about it, explaining why she’s been so involved lately and is often seen visiting Ben. She wants to finally share her side of the story.”

Whether Affleck and Lopez will divorce is unclear, but rumors suggest they might’ve already signed the papers.

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