Matt Damon Says Cancel Culture Leaves a Lasting Mark

Matt Damon, the well-known actor behind roles in The Talented Mr. Ripley and Interstellar, has weighed in on the ongoing debate around cancel culture. According to Damon, those who find themselves in the crosshairs of public backlash are often haunted by it for the rest of their lives. While he’s never been officially cancelled, Damon has had his share of run-ins with controversy, including a close call in 2021 that nearly put his career on the chopping block.

Appearing recently on The Joe Rogan Experience, Damon chatted about his long-standing partnership with Ben Affleck and their latest Netflix action flick, The Rip. The conversation soon turned to cancel culture, a topic Rogan himself knows a thing or two about. Damon didn’t mince words when describing the impact of being publicly shamed, saying it’s something that never really goes away.

Public Scrutiny That Never Lets Up

During the podcast, Damon reflected on how those targeted by cancel culture often wish for a clear end to their ordeal. He remarked,

"I bet some of those people would have preferred to go to jail for 18 months or whatever, and then come out and say, 'I paid my debt. Like, we're done. Like, can we be done?' The thing about getting kind of excoriated, publicly like that, it just never ends. And it's the first thing that… you know, it just will follow you to the grave."

Damon’s comments highlight the sense of permanence that comes with being publicly called out, suggesting that the stigma can linger long after the headlines fade.

The 2021 Incident That Nearly Ended It All

Though Damon didn’t spell out the details, he was likely alluding to a 2021 episode that almost saw him blacklisted in the industry. That year, he mentioned in an interview that he’d stopped using a certain slur after his daughter called him out. Even though he never actually said the word in public, the backlash was swift, prompting Damon to issue a public apology. He explained,

"During a recent interview, I recalled a discussion I had with my daughter where I attempted to contextualise for her the progress that has been made – though by no means completed – since I was…"

The incident sparked a wave of criticism, with many questioning his judgement and timing.

Living With the Fallout

For Damon, the experience served as a stark reminder of how quickly things can spiral in the age of social media. Even a misstep in a private conversation can become front-page news, and the repercussions can be felt for years. While he managed to weather the storm, Damon’s story is a cautionary tale for anyone in the public eye: once the court of public opinion turns, it’s not easy to win back trust.