Ellen Page asks Matt Damon: Why should gay actors hide their sexuality?
Ellen Page has taken aim at Matt Damon over comments he made suggesting actors should hide their sexual orientations to succeed.
In an interview with the Guardian last weekend, the Bourne star made comments about fellow actor Rupert Everett, suggesting he was less successful because he came out as gay.
He mentioned gay rumours from earlier in his career, when it was suggested that he and Ben Affleck were a coupe, saying: “I don’t want to, like [imply] it’s some sort of disease – then it’s like I’m throwing my friends under the bus.”
Going on, he made comments about Everett, suggesting he could have been more successful if he was not openly gay.
“But at the time, I remember thinking and saying, Rupert Everett was 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 went on.
Later in the interview, the star said he thought all actors should be more private about their sexual orientation.
US actor Matt Damon poses for photographers as he arrives for the European premiere of “The Martian” in London’s Leicester square on September 24, 2015. AFP PHOTO / NIKLAS HALLE’N
“In terms of actors, I think you’re a better actor the less people know about you period,” Damon explained.”
Now Page has taken him to task, telling metroweekly: “He doesn’t have a point because he related it to sexuality.”
Going on, he said: “Heterosexual actors and actresses do not have to go to great lengths to hide their sexuality. Yes, of course, keep your private life private. Protect yourself. Have boundaries. When you’re a public person, you need to think about your safety. But if it’s in relation to sexuality, then no – that’s an unfair double standard. Heterosexual people walk down the red carpet with their partners all the time, they talk about their children…”
Damon has hit out at critics, saying it was “stupid” to suggest his comments meant he thought gay actors should stay in the closet.
