Matt Damon already put his foot in his mouth one time this month when, during an episode of “Project Greenlight,” he told a black producer that diversity in the film world should just be about casting actors and not about the people who actually make films. Now, Damon is in hot water again after he suggested that actors, both gay and straight, should keep quiet about their sexualities for the sake of their art.
Damon made the remarks in an interview with the Guardian, in which he claimed that actors are better at their jobs when fans know less about their personal life: “I think it must be really hard for actors to be out publicly. But in terms of actors, I think you’re a better actor the less people know about you, period. And sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether you’re straight or gay, people shouldn’t know anything about your sexuality because that’s one of the mysteries that you should be able to play.”
Not surprisingly, Damon’s words were met with a furious roar form the LGBT community, who blasted the actor for implying that gay and bisexual actors should remain closeted, especially when their straight counterparts have access to greater freedoms when it comes to expressing their sexuality and relationships.
This week, Damon appeared on “Ellen” and tried to clear up the controversy by explaining that his words were misconstrued.
Read what he had to say, after the cut.
