Matt Damon Talks Sexual Misconduct Scandals, Argues There's A 'Spectrum Of Behavior'

The Martian star may have ruffled more than a few feathers during an appearance on Popcorn With Peter Travers when he gave his two cents about sexual harassment.

On Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, Matt Damon visited the ABC News show and discussed the rampant sexual misconduct scandals that have hit Hollywood in recent months (via E! News). While Damon expressed that it's "totally necessary" for women to speak out against sexual abuse, he argued that there is "a spectrum of behavior" that all people should take into account.

"You know, there's a difference between, you know, patting someone on the butt and rape or child molestation, right?" Damon stated. "Both of those behaviors need to be confronted and eradicated without question, but they shouldn't be conflated, right?"

Sharing his belief that Al Franken should have been investigated before his resignation, Damon continued, "We live in this culture of outrage and injury, and, you know, we're going to have to correct enough to kind of go, 'Wait a minute. None of us came here perfect.' You know what I mean?"

Damon further argued that Franken and disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein "don't belong in the same category," as, according to the actor, Weinstein "knew he was up to no good." Damon also stated that he knew that Weinstein, whom he's worked with several times, was a bully but had no idea that he allegedly sexually abused women.

Damon said that he worries that, if men are severely punished for admitting their wrongdoing, it could set a bad example for young people who may then think that denying all accusations is the way to go.

Bringing up the Louis C.K. scandal, in which many women accused the comedian of masturbating in front of them, Damon said, "We can talk about rehabilitation and everything else. That's criminal behavior and it needs to be dealt with that way. The other stuff is just kind of shameful and gross...I don't know Louis C.K.; I've never met him. I'm a fan of his, but I don't imagine he's going to do those things again. You know what I mean?"

Furthermore, Damon commented on the topic of confidentiality agreements, which may have previously shielded predators from their alleged behavior leaking to the media. "I think the day of the confidentiality agreements is over. I think it's just completely over," he said, agreeing with host Peter Travers that it'd be "one hundred percent" a good thing.

Damon is far from the only star to chime in about the sexual harassment allegations plaguing the entertainment industry. Read all about how other celebrities reacted to news of Weinstein's alleged history of sexual misconduct.