Matt Damon Says Some Canceled Stars Would Rather Go to Jail

Matt Damon recently opened up about the lasting impact of cancel culture while appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience alongside long-time collaborator Ben Affleck. The duo visited the podcast to promote their new Netflix action thriller, The Rip, but the conversation quickly shifted toward the complexities of public shaming in the modern age.

During the interview, Damon suggested that the social consequences of being canceled can feel more severe than legal punishment. He argued that the lack of a clear end date for public backlash makes it a unique and grueling experience for those in the spotlight.

“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?” Damon remarked. He emphasized that unlike a prison sentence, which has a scheduled release, online condemnation often persists indefinitely.

Damon further observed that the digital footprint of a controversy ensures that the shame never truly fades away. It just never ends… it will follow you to the grave, he added, highlighting the permanence of the internet.

Joe Rogan echoed these sentiments, describing cancel culture as a system where a single mistake is used to define a person’s entire character. Rogan noted how the public often exaggerates one action or comment to cast you out of civilization for life.

Damon responded to Rogan’s description with a somber agreement, stating that the punishment often exists in perpetuity. The actors discussed how this atmosphere has changed the way people in Hollywood interact and share their thoughts.

The conversation was particularly poignant given Damon’s own brush with public criticism in 2021. At that time, he was criticized after mentioning he had retired a derogatory slur only after his daughter explained its harmful history.

Damon later clarified that he did not use such language in his personal life and expressed deep respect for his daughter’s commitment to social justice. He noted that the experience taught him that being a good person requires active engagement in fighting prejudice.

Since then, Damon’s career has remained incredibly active with several high-profile projects. He recently starred in the critically acclaimed films Air and Oppenheimer, both of which reinforced his status as one of Hollywood’s most reliable leading men.

Currently, Damon is starring in the Netflix film The Rip, directed by Joe Carnahan. The movie features a talented ensemble including Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, and Kyle Chandler, following a team of Miami detectives who discover a massive stash of illegal cash.

Looking ahead, Damon is set to lead Christopher Nolan’s massive 2026 epic, The Odyssey. In this retelling of the Homeric myth, Damon plays the legendary strategist Odysseus, starring alongside Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya.

Damon and Affleck also continue to run their production company, Artists Equity, which aims to provide fairer compensation for film crews and creators. Their work on The Rip reportedly included a historic deal for performance-based bonuses for the entire production staff.

The full discussion on The Joe Rogan Experience covers their decades-long friendship, the evolution of the film industry, and their creative process. Fans can watch the episode to see the two friends reflect on their journey from Boston to the top of the entertainment world.

Do you think public figures should be given a clear path to redemption after a controversy, or is the “in perpetuity” nature of the internet a necessary consequence? Let us know what you think in the comments.