Deary me Matt Damon, you’ve only gone and had yourself a shocker.

The actor was chatting to a reporter during a press session to promote his new work when he put his foot well and truly in his mouth. At the time Damon was talking about his role in the film Behind the Candelabra, a role that required him to play Liberace’s lover and lock lips with other men.

I suppose we should remember that things often get taken out of context but have a look at this ramble from Matt courtesy of the Daily Beast:

Damon launches into a story about gay rumors that swirled around himself and Ben Affleck at the time of Good Will Hunting…

“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?” he said. “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”…

“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.”

You can kind of, almost, just a little see what he is trying to say but the delivery is so sloppy that it comes across as homophobic. The final word can go to the Daily Beast once more, their stinging criticism including this below:

By arguing that gay actors should keep their sexuality secret, Damon is in essence turning homosexuality into some sort of event or curio that should matter when an actor is being considered for a role.

He might think that he’s speaking compassionately and in support of gay actors who deserve better access to better roles, but his advice on the matter will only serve to prolong a state of affairs in Hollywood that has been long dated.

[source:dailybeast]