Hot off the heels of his “White Man Teaches Diversity” Tour, Matt Damon has moved on to his next way of offending people: telling gay people that they’re better off staying in the closet. Now, if you’re not rich and famous, he’s fine with you coming out or whatever, but if you’re in the public eye, keep that shit out of his face so you don’t tarnish the fine craft of acting.
Here’s what he said during an interview with The Guardian in promotion for his new movie, The Martian:
Is it harder for actors to be openly gay in Hollywood? “I’m sure. When Ben and I first came on the scene there were rumours that we were gay because it was two guys who wrote a script together.”
Really?
“I know. It’s just like any piece of gossip… and it put us in a weird position of having to answer, you know what I mean? Which was then really deeply offensive. I don’t want to, like [imply] it’s some sort of disease – then it’s like I’m throwing my friends under the bus. But at the time, I remember thinking and saying, Rupert Everett was openly gay and this guy – more handsome than anybody, a classically trained actor – it’s tough to make the argument that he didn’t take a hit for being out.”
He thinks attitudes are changing, and welcomes the introduction of same-sex marriage in California in 2008. “I think it must be really hard for actors to be out publicly,” he continues. “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.”
What is he even talking about? Rupert Everett? What the hell does he have to do with anything? Basically, what Matt is saying is that his relationship with Ben is very “no homo” because they’re fine, strapping straight men. The fact that he was “deeply offended” that he had to respond to that says it all. Would he have been as “deeply offended” if he was linked to a female co-star? Doubtful.
Also, it’s fine and well for a straight man to tell LGBT actors that they should keep everything private, not realizing that by virtue of taking his wife and kids to premieres, he’s “outing” himself as straight, so people know plenty about HIS sexuality.
Of course, when visiting The Ellen DeGeneres Show yesterday, Matt tried to say his comments were “taken out of context” (WHAT OTHER CONTEXT IS THERE?) while never actually apologizing or saying anything that makes him sound less like an asshole. This seems in line with his general schtick, which is to pull a “sorry if you were offended” apology, thereby taking zero responsibility for his own words and actions, so I’m not surprised.
Whatever, Matt Damon.
I really think you missed the mark on your interpretation of Matt Damon’s comments. I don’t see anything that makes him a “shit bag.” But that’s just me. I totally get the Rupert Everett example. He is very handsome and all Damon is saying is that he probably missed acting opportunities because he is openly gay.
You’re reading into this all wrong. Granted, he kindof worded it poorly, but all he said was to keep your private life private and the less people know of you personally, the less they are inclined to inflict your personal life on to a character.
Sounds like someone has jumped on the Lets hate Matt Damon bandwagon. He said he supports gay marriage and it made him uncomfortable when people asked about his relationship with a male co-worker because he didn’t want to offend his gay friends by denying being gay and making it sound like being gay is a bad thing. He also said its hard to argue that an openly gay actor didn’t receive roles because of being openly gay despite being attractive and highly trained, none of which is his fault, it is a horrible truth of discrimination based on sexuality that exists in his profession. Maybe read the article with an open mind before carelessly applying your knee jerk reactions based on other incidences related to Matt Damon.
i came on here to try and explain what you’re missing in this article, but these comments have already done it beautifully. you should probably quit making stuff up to be offended about.
I have to agree with the other comments. I think you’re reading waaaaay too much into this. He’s not singling out LGBT actors, he’s saying everyone – all actors – should keep their private life private. And I agree. I think actors do themselves a disservice when they are too open – it takes away from one’s ability to see them as the character they’re portraying.
As for his comments about LGBT actors specifically, he’s not saying anything other than acknowledging that, unfortunately, there is still a degree of discrimination that comes with being out. He’s not OK with that, or supportive of it, he’s just saying what we all know – it still exists and yes, some LGBT actors may suffer because of it.
I used to love this website. It was hilarious and was my go-to for celebrity talk. Recently I’ve been put off by it because every time I go to read an article someone is being completely trashed or told their homophobic, racist, sexist etc. Like people before me have pointed out the staff currently writing for evil beet needs to quit being so offended by nothing and in my opinion needs to stop being so negative and pessimistic. It really shows in your writing and it’s very off-putting for readers.
You’re making a mountain out of a mole hill. You’re obviously gay (which is none of anyone’s business) until you decide to MAKE IT be everyone’s business by blowing things out of proportion and getting your panties in a wad.
I think you are being a little harsh and reading too much into things because his comments about diversity awhile back really were douchebaggy and ignorant and I used to love him but not so much lately….
However I agree with him that sexuality should not be made such a big issue and sometimes acceptance can be borderline patronizing and overbearing on the subject. I am heterosexual and don’t feel the need to justify my specific preferences; I am not attracted to all other heterosexuals and the details are no one’s business…gay people deserve the same respect.
And even heterosexual celebrity couples seem to fare a lot better when they go years being married and the public doesnt know about it….
The only shitbag I can see is the writer of this piece, Damon makes no disparaging remarks but points out the perceived problems he has seen in being “out” .Being a homosexual isnt a crime but its also NOT a ticket for positive advancement in Hollywood.So why should he apologise for your misinterpretation of his words?