Ben Affleck's Pal Explains Why He Took Ex-Nanny to Vegas

Ben Affleck holds a cup of coffee while heading to an office building on Tuesday (August 11) in Beverly Hills, Calif.

The 42-year-old actor, who is celebrating his birthday on Saturday, was on the opposite coast of his estranged wife Jennifer Garner. She was seen that day in Atlanta filming scenes for her upcoming movie Miracles From Heaven with her on-screen kids.

That same day, a photo of Ben and Jen‘s ex-nanny Christine Ouzounian wearing four of Tom Brady‘s Super Bowl rings while on a private plane went spread online. A friend of the actor spoke to Page Six to explain why she was on the trip with him and confirm that there was nothing romantic going on between them.

“Christine flew with Ben from the Bahamas to Vegas because she was helping him with his poker tournament for his charity,” the source said. “There were many other people on the plane, including other assistants and staff working for Ben who were helping with the event, and many of these also tried on Tom‘s Super Bowl rings and took photos. Ben and Tom Brady are good friends, and he is grateful that Tom agreed to attend his charity event.”

Click inside to read the rest of Ben Affleck’s friend’s explanation…

“When they landed in Vegas, Christine helped out with the organization of the tournament, assisting clients and guests who attended. She was not hiding, she was there to help out [at the tournament],” the friend added. “After the tournament ended Ben returned to the Bahamas to the family. Christine went home to LA.”

“There was no affair during his marriage to Jen nor since their separation,” the source continued.