Jennifer Garner Says She Developed "Stockholm Syndrome Thing" With Paparazzi

Jennifer Garner is opening up about her complicated relationship with the paparazzi after spending more than two decades being followed almost daily.

During an appearance on Netflix's Shut Up Evan podcast, Garner revealed that two photographers have been assigned to follow her for more than 25 years. She said she's developed an "odd respect" for one longtime paparazzo despite repeatedly asking him to leave her alone and even calling the police on him over the years.

Garner recalled one frightening moment when she believed someone was following her with the intent to harm her. Instead of running away, she said she ran toward the paparazzo because he was familiar and she trusted he would help keep her safe.

"There's kind of a Stockholm syndrome thing," Garner said, adding that despite their unusual relationship, she's also called the police on him "a million times" asking for just one peaceful walk around the block with her children and dog.

The actress also reflected on how relentless paparazzi attention affected her family during her marriage to Ben Affleck, saying photographers endangered her children by running red lights, crowding schools and doctor's offices, and even knocking over kids to get photos.

Those experiences helped lead to California passing stronger protections for celebrity children in 2013.

via Entertainment Weekly