Matt Damon angered many with his comments about sexual misconduct and an online petition demanding his removal from “Ocean’s 8” reached its goal, collecting 19,000 signatures.
The petition demanded that Damon be removed from a movie that “was supposed to be an empowering film for women.” The petition also accuses the actor, saying he “not only ignored but enabled his friend Harvey Weinstein’s inappropriate behavior by trying to squash a New York Times report in 2004.”
Damon came under fire following an interview on ABC News in which he talked about the sexual harassment scandals that have come to light in recent months.
“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?”
He’s come under attack from many — including “Good Will Hunting” co-star Minnie Driver.
“Ocean’s 8” is scheduled for release in June 2018.