Matt Damon says sorry for diversity comments

Matt Damon has apologised for comments regarding diversity in filmmaking that sparked widespread backlash, after a portion of a conversation from HBO's Project Greenlight circulated online.

In the segment, Damon was shown shutting down producer Effie Brown (Dear White People) who made a case that a script dealing with sensitive subjects like prostitution should have a diverse directing team behind it.

Damon responded that diversity should be handled in "the casting of the film, not in the casting of the show".

In a statement, Damon said he believes "deeply that there need to be more diverse filmmakers making movies".

His comments, he said, were part of a broader conversation that did not make the show.

He also apologised for any offence caused, but is happy that it started a conversation.

In the clip, Brown voices concern about how the director might treat the only black character in the film - Harmony, a prostitute who gets hit by her white pimp.

Damon interrupted Brown, saying they should pick a director based on merit, not diversity.

He then lectures Brown about how diversity works in Hollywood.

"When we're talking about diversity, you do it in the casting of the film, not in the casting of the show," said Damon. "Wow. Okay," replied Brown.

Twitter reacted with anger and the hashtag #Damonsplaining.

"Matt Damon is one of the most left wing actors he has been on front lines of all sorts of anti racist work its not even funny," Zaid Jilani tweeted.

- AP