Actor Matt Damon has issued an apology after being criticised for interrupting black female producer during the premiere of season four of his HBO show "Project Greenlight".
In the episode, "The Martian" star, 44, is having a heated discussion with producer Effie Brown about the importance of diversity in Hollywood, often interrupting and talking over her.
She is trying to explain that the only black character in the film is a prostitute getting beaten by her pimp, urging the all-white team to make sure the character does not fall into a racist stereotype.
Unfortunately, Damon seemingly suggests that diversity behind the camera does not matter.
Damon said, "When we're talking about diversity, you do it in the casting of the film, not in the casting of the show."
"Wow," Brown replied. Soon the hashtag "#Damonsplaining" started trending online.
Clarifying his stand, the actor stated he believes more diverse filmmakers are needed in the industry and his 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 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.
"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, 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," his statement read.
