Matt Damon [1] appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Tuesday in an attempt to clear the air surrounding his most recent controversy — the actor faced Internet backlash earlier this week when he spoke to the Guardian about gay actors in Hollywood [2]. He also addressed past rumors that he and longtime friend Ben Affleck [3] were gay after writing their hit screenplay, Good Will Hunting, together. After further fleshing out the interview quotes, he went on to express his frustration: "It's painful when things get said that you don't believe, and then it gets represented that that's what you believe."

In the original quote, Matt stated, "I think you're a better actor the less people know about you, period. And sexuality is a huge part of that." While many have interpreted the quote to mean that actors should stay in the closet if they're gay — in the name of preserving their mystery and delivering more powerful performances — with Ellen, he claims he was misquoted. Watch the full video above for Matt's explanation, and then find out about the other situation this month [4] that landed him in hot water.