Matt Damon is speaking out after comments he made about diversity in Hollywood caused a backlash and spawned the hashtag #Damonsplaining.
“I believe deeply that there need to be more diverse filmmakers making movies. I love making movies. It’s what I have chosen to do with my life and I want every young person watching ‘Project Greenlight’ to believe that filmmaking is a viable form of creative expression for them too,” the actor said in a statement.
During an episode of HBO’s “Project Greenlight,” the actor is seen telling producer Effie Brown (“Dear White People”) that diversity should be handled in “the casting of the film, not in the casting of the show.”
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“My comments were part of a much broader conversation about diversity in Hollywood and the fundamental nature of ‘Project Greenlight’ which did not make the show. I am sorry that they offended some people,” his statement continued.
Adding, “But, at the very least, I am happy that they started a conversation about diversity in Hollywood. That is an ongoing conversation that we all should be having.”
— Jesse Spero
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