Actor Matt Damon takes part in a panel discussion in California (Photo : REUTERS/GUS RUELAS)
"The Martian" star Matt Damon has appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres talk show to clear his name over recent comments that gay actors should keep their sexuality to themselves.
Damon told DeGeneres that it is hurtful and also painful when, "things get said that you don't believe." The "Interstellar" star's denial of any racial statements come just weeks after he was pressured to explain remarks he made concerning racial diversity, on his HBO reality segment "Project Greenlight."
According to Time critiques feel Damon's apology over "Project Greenlight" have not been very convincing, leaving many in doubt that he is sincere about his comments. Damon's response is being referred to as a "non-apology" and a classic Hollywood "sorry-if-you-were-offended" response.
Meanwhile, Damon told DeGeneres that in his recent remarks to a publication about actors being better off keeping their sexuality to themselves, he told the host he meant that actors are more "effective" when they remain a "mystery."
Damon has been plagued by rumours of being gay for years, over his close relationship with "Gone Girl" actor Ben Affleck. Much of the gossip centers around the duos early days of filming and production of Oscar winning film "Good Will Hunting," according to the BBC.
The "Bourne Identity" star was quoted at the time as saying such "gossip" put the two young actors, who were struggling and trying to make a name for themselves, in a "weird" position of having to answer questions of their sexuality. He added he was aware of the stigma attached to the gay community at the time.
Damon said at the time the suggestions were "really deeply offensive," and recalled how "My Best Friend's Wedding" star Rupert Everett came out quite early in his career and had been hit badly for coming "out."
