Matt Damon says he's going to 'close his mouth for a while' after voicing widely unwanted opinions on sexual assault
The 'Downsizing' actor seemingly learned a lesson
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Matt Damon has finally agreed to stop giving his opinion on the sexual harassment conversation.
In an appearance on Tuesday's edition of TODAY, Damon regretted his responses to the "Time's Up" movement.
"I really wish I would have listened before I weighed in," he said.
Right after that TODAY host Kathie Lee Gifford chimes in comforting him, "But you're a good listener though, Matt."
Damon then added he doesn't want to "further anybody's pain with what I do or what I say."
The Downsizing actor finally said what everyone's been thinking: "I should get in the back seat and close my mouth for a while."
Damon's comments have caused a lot of debate since he spoke out about the conversation around sexual harassment and sexual assault.
In an interview for "Popcorn with Peter Travers" in December, Damon said he thought that talking about the topics was necessary, but tried to explain that there were varying degrees of each.
“I think it’s wonderful that women are feeling empowered to tell their stories, and it’s totally necessary,” he said. “I do believe there’s a spectrum of behaviour… There’s a difference between patting someone on the butt and rape or child molestation, right? Both of those behaviours need to be confronted and eradicated without question, but they shouldn’t be conflated.”
In the same conversation, he explained that Harvey Weinstein and Al Franken "don't belong in the same category."
Damon's comments to Business Insider were also deemed controversial when he thought that men who haven't been accused of sexual assault or harassment should be focused on.
“We’re in this watershed moment, and it’s great, but I think one thing that’s not being talked about is there are a whole s—load of guys — the preponderance of men I’ve worked with — who don’t do this kind of thing and whose lives aren’t going to be affected,” he said.
Hopefully Damon does stick to what he said on TODAY and keeps his mouth shut.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments