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Matt Damon Interrupts Successful Black Female Producer to Explain Diversity, Receives Major Backlash

Matt Damon Interrupts Successful Black Female Director
Matt Damon argued with producer Effie Brown during the premiere of his HBO show Project Greenlight.

He’s going to let her finish…right? Matt Damon is currently in some hot water after the Season 4 premiere of his HBO show Project Greenlight aired on Sunday, Sept. 13. 

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In the episode, The Martian star, 44, is having a heated discussion with noted 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 doesn’t fall into a racist stereotype. 

Unfortunately, Damon seemingly suggests that diversity behind the camera does not matter. 

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“When we’re talking about diversity, you do it in the casting of the film, not in the casting of the show,” Damon says in the clip, which quickly started circulating online. 

Brown looks shocked before saying, “Wow, okay.”

Damon was quick to receive backlash on social media for his comments. 

“Matt Damon is… still a White man, y'all,” @FeministaJones tweeted. “The struggle to NOT talk over a Black woman tends to be really strong for many of them.”

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Damon’s comments prompted the hashtag “#Damonsplaining,” a take on “#whitesplaining.” 

“Which is worse, Matt Damon whitesplainin' to Effie, or not letting Effie voice her opinion as he did the others. #Damonsplaining @deray,” @sephius1999 asked.

This controversy comes several months after the most white-washed pool of Oscar nominees in 17 years. Selma director Ava DuVernay failed to become the first black female director in Oscars history to land a nomination prompting many to question Hollywood’s standards for those writing and directing some of the top films. 

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