The actor clarified some remarks he made about sexuality during an interview with the Guardian. Damon started out by talking about how people thought he and Ben Affleck were gay when they wrote and co-starred in "Good Will Hunting."
"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?" Damon told the Guardian. "Which was then really deeply offensive."
Then, Damon name-checked Rupert Everett and said he believed Everett's career suffered because he was out as a gay man.
"I remember thinking and saying, Rupert Everett as 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," Damon said.
Damon continued and said, "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 actor got some heat when fans wondered if he was implying that gay actors should stay closeted, but Damon explained his comments on "The Ellen Show."
"I was just trying to say actors are more effective when they're a bit of a mystery, and somebody picked it up and said I'd said gay actors should get back in the closet," he said.
Matt Damon clarifies comments on sexuality, coming out
By Andrea Park
/ CBS News
Matt Damon has put his foot in his mouth again.
The actor clarified some remarks he made about sexuality during an interview with the Guardian. Damon started out by talking about how people thought he and Ben Affleck were gay when they wrote and co-starred in "Good Will Hunting."
"The Martian" actor said the rumors made him uncomfortable.
"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?" Damon told the Guardian. "Which was then really deeply offensive."
Then, Damon name-checked Rupert Everett and said he believed Everett's career suffered because he was out as a gay man.
"I remember thinking and saying, Rupert Everett as 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," Damon said.
Damon continued and said, "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 actor got some heat when fans wondered if he was implying that gay actors should stay closeted, but Damon explained his comments on "The Ellen Show."
"I was just trying to say actors are more effective when they're a bit of a mystery, and somebody picked it up and said I'd said gay actors should get back in the closet," he said.
This is the second time this month that Damon has received heat for something he has said. Earlier in September, Damon was skewered on social media after he lectured a black woman about diversity on "Project Greenlight." He later apologized for the comments.
In:- Matt Damon
Andrea is an entertainment producer at CBSNews.com
More from CBS News