Matt Damon Says Ben Affleck Gay Rumors 'Put Us in a Weird Position'

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have long been a definitive Hollywood bromance. Now, Damon is sounding off about rumors that their relationship has been more than just friendly.

"When Ben and I first came on the scene there were rumors that we were gay because it was two guys who wrote a script together," he tells The Guardian, referring to the Academy Award-winning script for Good Will Hunting, which they co-wrote.

"I know. It's just like any piece of gossip… and it put us in a weird position of having to answer, you know what I mean? Which was then really deeply offensive. I don't want to, like [imply] it's some sort of disease – then it's like I'm throwing my friends under the bus," he continued. "But at the time, I remember thinking and saying, Rupert Everett was openly gay and this guy – more handsome than anybody, a classically trained actor – it's tough to make the argument that he didn't take a hit for being out."

The profile goes on to note that that Damon has long been a supporter of same-sex marriage, but the actor says that any star's sexual orientation should not be public knowledge.

"I think it must be really hard for actors to be out publicly," he said. "But in terms of actors, I think you’re a better actor the less people know about you period. And sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether you’re straight or gay, people shouldn’t know anything about your sexuality because that's one of the mysteries that you should be able to play."

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On Monday afternoon, Damon sat down with Ellen DeGeneres and further elaborated on his interview with The Guardian.

"I said this thing to The Guardian and it got turned into -- and I was just trying to say actors are more effective when they're a mystery. Right? -- And somebody picked it up and said I said, 'Gay actors should get back in the closet,'" he said. "Which is like, I mean it's stupid, but it is painful when things get said that you don’t believe."

In the decade since Damon tied the knot with his wife, Luciana, the actor has actually been very open about his own marriage. ET caught up with the actor while promoting his new film, The Martian, amid pal Affleck's highly publicized split from Jennifer Garner this summer.

"I think marriage is insane," Damon admitted to ET. "It's a crazy idea but I love being married to my wife. So I wouldn't tell anybody else about their relationship. But I'm lucky I found my wife. And I guess maybe, if there's any secret … it's to feel lucky."

See the full interview in the player below.

Matt Damon Gushes Over His 10 Year Marriage, Gives Ben Affleck Update

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