Hollywood stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have turned their promotional tour for the Netflix crime thriller 'The Rip' into a platform for broader cultural discussion. Their recent comments about cancel culture have ignited fresh debate across the entertainment industry and beyond.
Matt Damon's Candid Take on Cancel Culture
During an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Damon shared his perspective on how public backlash operates in today's digital age. He described cancel culture as having a permanent, unending quality that follows individuals throughout their lives.
"In perpetuity," Damon emphasized about the forever nature of such controversies. He suggested that some people might prefer traditional consequences over enduring public shaming. "I bet some of those people would've preferred to go to jail for 18 months or whatever, and then come out and say, 'I paid my debt. Like, we're done.'"
Damon continued, "The thing about that 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."
Personal Experience with Controversy
Damon's comments come from personal experience with public backlash. In 2021, he faced significant criticism after discussing his use of language in a Sunday Times interview. He revealed that he had stopped using a particular derogatory term only "months ago" after his daughter educated him about its harmful impact.
The actor later issued a detailed statement clarifying his position. "I have never called anyone 'f****t' in my personal life and this conversation with my daughter was not a personal awakening," he wrote. "I do not use slurs of any kind." Damon affirmed his support for the LGBTQ+ community in that same statement.
Despite these controversies, Damon's career has continued to thrive. He has appeared in successful films like 'Air' and 'Oppenheimer,' with more high-profile projects on the horizon, including Christopher Nolan's anticipated 'The Odyssey.'
About Their New Film 'The Rip'
While discussing cultural issues, Damon and Affleck continue to promote their latest collaboration. 'The Rip' represents another on-screen reunion for the longtime friends and collaborators, who first gained fame together with 'Good Will Hunting.'
The Netflix crime drama features Damon as Lieutenant Dane Dumars and Affleck as Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne. They play veteran Miami police officers leading a tactical narcotics unit that discovers a hidden cache of cartel cash during an investigation.
What follows is a tense exploration of loyalty, ethics, and trust as external pressures and internal doubts about morality create conflict. Director Joe Carnahan drew inspiration from real law enforcement experiences, particularly a true event in Miami where millions in cash were uncovered during a raid.
Critical and Audience Reception
Critics have responded positively to 'The Rip,' praising its grim tone and strong performances. The film has earned a Rotten Tomatoes score that surpasses many recent Netflix action offerings. Reviewers have highlighted the moral dilemmas at the story's core as particularly compelling.
Audience reactions have been more varied. Some viewers appreciate the film's tension and casting, while others find the plot somewhat conventional or predictable. Online discussions reflect this mixed response to the crime drama.
The film's release comes at an interesting moment for both actors. While they navigate promotional duties for their Netflix project, their broader cultural commentary continues to generate conversation about accountability, public shaming, and forgiveness in contemporary society.
