Matt Damon Diversity: ‘The Bourne Identity’ Star Needs Some #Damonsplaining for His Epic ‘Project Greenlight’ Diversity Comments

By Staff Writer

Sep 18 2015, 07:53 AM EDT

Matt Damon's diversity comments took a turn on Sunday when the actor claimed that diversity is best applied in the casting of the film, and not in the casting of the show. On Wednesday, Sept. 16, he made a statement to apologize for what he said as it was only taken out of context.

Damon, who's co-producing the HBO reality show "Project Greenlight" with Ben Affleck was also said to be blaming his own show for editing his diversity comments, and for making him look "insensitive" in front of the people, TMZ reports.

"I believe deeply that there need to be more diverse filmmakers making movies. I want every young person watching "Project Greenlight" to believe that filmmaking is a viable form of creative expression for them too."

According to "The Bourne Identity" actor, his comments may have come out clearly if all the conversation was covered on air.

"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."

Damon's diversity comments swiftly spawned the hashtag #Damonsplaining on Twitter while some displayed their angry response by using the word #whitesplaining, Vanity Fair reports. The contentious argument came out when the actor and filmmaker made a direct comment when "Dear White People" African-American producer Effie Brown fostered her support for a team of an Asian man and white woman, directing duo Leo Angelos and Kristen Brancacci.

Damon responded by his infamous lines that caused social media uproar. "When we're talking about diversity, you do it in the casting of the film not in the casting of the show," Damon said, CNN reports. After Damon made apology to the public for his diversity comments, many of the netizens still react to his argument. On Tuesday, Brown thanked the people who watched the show and mentioned that she's glad that a conversation is taking place.