'I did NOT say gay actors should stay in the closet': Matt Damon says his words were twisted and taken out of context

  • Was asked about how he and Ben Affleck dealt with gay rumours at the start of their careers 
  • Said 'the less people know, the better', but letter clarified he was talking about maintaining an air of mystery

By Marc Jackson for MailOnline

Published: 17:39 EST, 28 September 2015 | Updated: 22:54 EST, 28 September 2015

Matt Damon has clarified his stance on sexuality, after he appeared to suggest gay actors should keep quiet about their sexuality if they want to get ahead in Hollywood.

Having said it was 'really hard for actors to be out publicly', he appeared on Ellen to further explain his views.

The Good Will Hunting star, 44, insisted that he did not mean that gay stars should stay in the closet - only that it's better for fans to know as little as possible about them. 

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Denial: Matt Damon has insisted he did not mean gay actors should keep quiet about their sexuality; he is seen arriving for Jimmy Kimmel on Monday

Denial: Matt Damon has insisted he did not mean gay actors should keep quiet about their sexuality; he is seen arriving for Jimmy Kimmel on Monday

Controversy: Damon looked relaxed as he signed autographs outside the show

'I was just trying to say actors are more effective when they’re a mystery. Right?' he told Ellen DeGeneres.

'And somebody picked it up and said I said gay actors should get back in the closet. Which is like I mean it’s stupid, but it is painful when things get said that you don’t believe. 

'You know what I mean? And then it gets represented that that’s what you believe. Because in the blogosphere there’s no real penalty for just taking the ball and running with it.' 

The contentious comments came after Matt recalled how he had to deal with gay rumours surrounding him and best pal Ben Affleck at the beginning of his career - and it put them in an 'awkward situation'. 

Rumours: The Good Will Hunting star, 44, remembers how he had to deal with gay rumours surrounding him and best pal Ben Affleck at the beginning of his career - and insists it put him in an 'awkward situation'.

Rumours: The Good Will Hunting star, 44, remembers how he had to deal with gay rumours surrounding him and best pal Ben Affleck at the beginning of his career - and insists it put him in an 'awkward situation'.

Speaking to The Guardian, he explained: '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.

'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?'

He goes on to point out openly gay star Rupert Everett, who himself is adamant that his US movie career failed to reach its full potential because he was out. 

Matt adds: '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.' 

Claims: He explained: '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?'

Claims: He explained: '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?'

'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.'

The private star, who has been married to Luciana Barroso for ten years, has previously played gay characters on the big screen, most recently as Liberace's boyfriend Scott Thorson in Behind The Candelabra. 

Everett has spoke candidly on the topic several times in the past.

The My Best Friend's Wedding star said back in 2009: 'It's not that advisable to be honest. It's not very easy. And, honestly, I would not advise any actor necessarily, if he was really thinking of his career, to come out...

'The fact is that you could not be, and still cannot be, a 25-year-old homosexual trying to make it in the British film business or the American film business or even the Italian film business.

'It just doesn't work and you're going to hit a brick wall at some point. You're going to manage to make it roll for a certain amount of time, but at the first sign of failure, they'll cut you right off. '

Struggle: Matt used Rupert Everett as an example after the openly gay actor insisted his Hollywood career took a hit because of his sexuality

Struggle: Matt used Rupert Everett as an example after the openly gay actor insisted his Hollywood career took a hit because of his sexuality

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