Gwyneth Paltrow is reportedly hoping to foster a connection between her son, Brody, and Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s daughter, Violet, as both teens start their academic journeys at Yale University.
Paltrow, who briefly dated Affleck from 1997 to 2000, recently sent her son off to Yale, while Affleck’s daughter, Violet, also began a new semester at the same university. According to an insider speaking to In Touch Weekly, Paltrow’s intentions are entirely innocent.
“She’s not trying to play matchmaker or anything creepy like that,” the source clarified. Instead, Paltrow simply thinks the two could be beneficial friends for each other, given their unique experience of growing up with celebrity parents. “She just thinks they could be a good source of support for each other since they have the celebrity parent-connection thing in common,” the insider explained.
Known for being protective of her children and stepchildren, Paltrow reportedly wants to ensure that Brody has a strong support system while away from home. “Gwyneth is a big worrywart and hyper-protective, even of her step-kids,” the source added.
“So she’s trying to make sure that Brody will have some good, solid people in his orbit now that he’s so far away from home.” While some might speculate about Paltrow’s intentions, the insider was quick to emphasize that her hopes are entirely platonic.
“She knows Violet is a class act and a great student, so she’s hoping they will become friendly,” the source concluded. Though Paltrow isn’t looking to create any sort of romance, she sees potential for the two to form a supportive friendship as they navigate life at Yale.