Matt Damon gave an interview on ABC News in which he talked about the sexual harassment scandals that have come to light in recent months — and now many fans are expressing disappointment in the actor’s statements.
“Extremely disappointed in Matt Damon, a father of 4 daughters, would find ‘levels of sexual abuse’ acceptable? When Uncle Ben squeezes one of their asses & makes a suggestive comment,” tweeted one user.
The actor appeared on ABC News on Thursday when Peter Travers asked him about his reaction to all the sexual misconduct accusations, especially when he is the father of four girls.
“I think we’re in this watershed moment,” Damon said. “I think it’s great. I think it’s wonderful that women are feeling empowered to tell their stories, and it’s totally necessary … I do believe that there’s a spectrum of behavior, right? And we’re going to have to figure — you know, there’s a difference between, you know, patting someone on the butt and rape or child molestation, right?”
Another fan tweeted in response: “Literally just lost respect for Matt Damon. Honestly thought he was better than this.” “Matt Damon is dead to me,” wrote another.
Some fans, however, rushed to Damon’s defense and called it an “interesting interview.”
https://twitter.com/Just_Kurt/status/941686527205298177
During his interview on ABC News, Damon attempted to differentiate the spectrum of sexual misconduct actions: “Those behaviors need to be confronted and eradicated without question, but they shouldn’t be conflated, right? You know, we see somebody like Al Franken, right? — I personally would have preferred if they had an Ethics Committee investigation, you know what I mean? It’s like at what point — you know, we’re so energized to kind of get retribution, I think.”
The actor also spoke about Louis C.K., who last month was accused of sexual misconduct by 5 women. In a following statement, the comedian said that the allegations made against him “are true.”
“And we live in this culture of outrage and injury, and, you know, that we’re going to have to correct enough to kind of go, ‘Wait a minute. None of us came here perfect.’ You know what I mean? … The Louis C.K. thing, I don’t know all the details. I don’t do deep dives on this, but I did see his statement, which kind of, which [was] arresting to me. When he came out and said, ‘I did this. I did these things. These women are all telling the truth.’ And I just remember thinking, ‘Well, that’s the sign of somebody who — well, we can work with that’ … Like, when I’m raising my kids, this constant personal responsibility is as important as anything else they learn before they go off in the world.”
Damon also said that Franken and Harvey Weinstein “don’t belong in the same category,” and once again said “nobody who made movies for [Weinstein] knew” about the sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior he is being accused of.
“Any human being would have put a stop to that, no matter who he was. They would’ve said absolutely no. You know what I mean?” Damon said. “I knew I wouldn’t want him married to anyone close to me. But that was the extent of what we knew, you know? And that wasn’t a surprise to anybody. So when you hear Harvey this, Harvey that — I mean, look at the guy. Of course he’s a womanizer … I mean, I don’t hang out with him.”
Damon worked with Weinstein on his Oscar-winning film, “Good Will Hunting,” which was produced by Weinstein.
A representative for Damon has not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment.
See reactions to Damon’s statements below.
#mattdamon #metoo Extremely disappointed in Matt Damon, a father of 4 daughters, would find "levels of sexual abuse" acceptable? When Uncle Ben squeezes one of their asses & makes a suggestive comment. Let's see you resist going all #jasonBourne #notaspectrum
?— Cailyn McCauley (@cailynq) December 15, 2017
Matt Damon attempts to speak about sexual harassment and shows he STILL doesn't get ithttps://t.co/coqv2ZL1KU
— Screening (@screening) December 15, 2017
I have this feeling he's just killed his own career, that Matt Damon.
— S Olson, B.S, J.D. (@ThatVDOVault) December 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/GracesBliss/status/941687158305382401
Another reminder that Matt Damon is ? https://t.co/WbGYbv8pGP
— Bethany Suckrow (@writesnrights) December 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/eleni_flores/status/941687112377696257
Matt Damon thinks there's a "spectrum of behavior…" that needs to be addressed. Looking for some wiggle room for a friend? For yourself? It's not up to you… #ZeroTolerance
— jumping_mouse #I_VOTED #BLM #UppityWomenUnite (@Mutha_nite) December 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/JessieLahrr/status/941686878616551430
So, we all agree that we're done with #MattDamon, right?
Cele|bitchy | Matt Damon worries that the #MeToo movement is going to get out of hand https://t.co/csHQJrlXTc via @po_st— Meredith Hines-Dochterman (@meredithkhd) December 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/mttspdfr/status/941686116297699329
Matt Damon is officially cancelled.❌I require a new dude for my Five.?
— Syd Silver (@thebeanweasel) December 15, 2017
Literally just lost respect for Matt Damon. Honestly thought he was better than this. https://t.co/vQDVhDWGjk
— James Prescott is Finding Hope Again (@JamesPrescott77) December 15, 2017
That sound you hear is the last ounce of respect I had for Matt Damon vanishing into thin air.
— Michael Mirasol (@flipcritic) December 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/LunaticAardvark/status/941682438526328832
Yeesh, Matt Damon. Probably could've kept your mouth shut for awhile in this. Shut it & listen … the ladies are talking right now, ok? pic.twitter.com/CwztRb1th5
— Candice C. (@candicensd) December 15, 2017
