Matt Damon shared horribly misguided thoughts about sexual harassment, and the internet clapped back
The last several months have seen countless women — and men — come forward with stories of sexual harassment and abuse at the hands of powerful men, and it finally feels as though sexual predators are being held accountable for their actions. But not everyone is here for the progress.
In fact, Matt Damon shared some questionable opinions about sexual harassment and abuse, proving that there are still many people who have yet to grasp the importance of this critical cultural moment.
In an interview with ABC News, Damon said,
“I do believe that there’s a spectrum of behavior. And we’re going to have to figure — you know, there’s a difference between, you know, patting someone on the butt and rape or child molestation, right? Both of those behaviors need to be confronted and eradicated without question, but they shouldn’t be conflated, right?”
Let’s get one thing clear: No one is saying that the punishment should exceed the crime in cases of sexual harassment and abuse — or in any matters of criminal justice. That is not what victims are fighting for, nor is it even the issue at hand. The issue is that women have been subjected to daily humiliation, marginalization, degradation, and yes — outright abuse — for generations, and there is finally — finally! — some recognition of this reality. Furthermore, sorry Matt, but no degree of harassment should ever be tolerated. Period. “It’s not as bad as rape” does not cut it as a cogent, or even humane, argument.
Damon also then went on to make several problematic remarks about how it’s important to “hear both sides” when it comes to accusations of sexual misconduct (even though statistics tell us that the percentage of false rape claims are infamously low), as well as again saying that if “anyone knew” what Harvey Weinstein had done, they would have stopped it (despite a bevy of evidence that many people did know, and nobody stopped it).
And of course, Twitter had thoughts.
Matt Damon, you know there's a difference between having a thought and having a thought worthy of being voiced, right?
— Steph Kent
(@Stephanietely) December 15, 2017
Forever @ Matt Damon. pic.twitter.com/kxe6wOjf43
— Kayleigh Donaldson (@Ceilidhann) December 15, 2017
Dear Matt Damon and literally every other man on the planet: we do not care what you think on this issue. Your opinion is irrelevant. Sit down, shut up, and hope that you aren’t next like your BFFs predatory little brother. https://t.co/MH2EZ6ta8a
—
Mx. Amadi & 4 Lights in the Night (@amaditalks) December 15, 2017
The problem with responses like the ones Tom Hanks & Matt Damon gave today is that men are taught their opinion is important even if it's about an issue they don't know much about, while women are taught to apologize for their opinions even when they're well versed in the topic.
— Allison Gilbert (@AllisonWynifred) December 15, 2017
sexual harassers are obviously the villains in these stories, but let's not forget about the evil perpetrated by ppl like matt damon. the blacklisters, the deniers, the gaslighters, the redacters. those fuckers are gd everywhere.
— jeffrey cranor (@happierman) December 15, 2017
no one has worked harder or more consistently these past few months to get himself cancelled without actually harassing anyone that we know of than Matt Damon
— ROSE BOWL GOER AMANDA MULL (@amandamull) December 15, 2017
how does Matt Damon even manage to get words out around the foot permanently stuck in his mouth
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) December 15, 2017
I think Matt Damon needs to STFU - J https://t.co/hQ8cuf2RyE
— Heather & Jessica (@fuggirls) December 15, 2017
I start to think maybe most men are learning about sexual harassment & assault? Then I read an interview with Matt Damon and realize oh, how terribly naive. Of course not https://t.co/9pgQmmjT9O
— Olivia Goldhill (@OliviaGoldhill) December 15, 2017
Lately Matt Damon is making me reconsider my decades-held assertion that Ben's the dumb one.
— Sean Burns (@SeanMBurns) December 15, 2017
Interesting how men like Matt Damon, who are friends with multiple accused predators, don't know any predators and have never seen predatory behavior. Somehow every woman has been harassed, assaulted or raped, but no one's a predator.
— Jill Gutowitz (@jillboard) December 15, 2017
Matt Damon’s worst enemy is his mouth
I should probably punch him in the face and say: "well at least I didn’t kick you in the balls. There's a huge difference you know"— Luisa Haynes (@wokeluisa) December 15, 2017
Comments like Damon’s remind us that there is still much work to be done when it comes to eradicating sexual harassment and abuse, and also reminds us why it’s critical that we keep this conversation alive. To all the women and men who have come forward with their stories, we thank you, and we promise to stand with you until change is made.
