Actor Ben Affleck and pop star Jennifer Lopez, who have continually been climate-change talking heads, are enjoying a vacation on a massive $130 million yacht in Europe in the ultimate display of celebrity hypocrisy.
Affleck and Lopez recently got back together after about 20 years of being broken up, as The Federalist’s Madeline Osburn and Emily Jashinsky analyzed recently. Both celebrities have joined environmental campaigns in the past.
Still, Affleck and Lopez had no problem taking a lavish yacht — which emits carbon, since it runs on fuel — to Capri, Nerano, St. Tropez, and more for Lopez’s birthday.
The couple’s maritime adventure calls into question their commitment to fighting their perception of climate change. Several years ago, Affleck teamed up with his actor friend Matt Damon to make short videos “to raise awareness of climate change” and the need for “alternative fuel sources.” In 2016, Affleck also participated in a Funny or Die “Everyone Votes!” initiative that was also funded by NextGen Climate, an environmental nonprofit that creates advertisement campaigns.
“So if you give a sh-t about women’s rights, if you care about keeping the environment safe for future generations — ever hear of it? — if you care about people getting to piss in the f-ckin’ bathroom of their choice … then guess who’s got your back in this election?” the actor said.
.@BenAffleck & @NextGenClimate want to make sure everyone in New Hampshire votes November 8th! https://t.co/JRLe8kH1RZ pic.twitter.com/SsgWDTEL1M
— Funny Or Die (@funnyordie) October 26, 2016
Lopez, who was described in 2017 by researchers at Lund University in Sweden as a celebrity “super-emitter” due to having flown on 77 planes, traveled 139,187 miles, and emitted 105 tons of carbon dioxide, participated in a campaign last year called “Vote Like A Madre.” The campaign was “to bring awareness to the importance of climate change,” as noted by Harper’s Bazaar.
In September 2020, Lopez described on Instagram her discontentment with her kids growing up amid the climate changing.
“Max and Emme are my world,” she said. “When I think about what their lives will be like if we ignore the significant impact climate change is having on our planet, it breaks my heart. We need to do something about it and take action NOW. That’s why I’m pinky promising to #VoteLikeAMadre for candidates who believe in science and will work to protect the environment. All the madres out there, will you join me?”
A source told Us Weekly on Wednesday that Lopez called the trip with Affleck the “best birthday yet.” It is unclear whether the two will lament their environmental impact.
