Matt Damon petition calling for actor's removal from all-female Ocean's 8 reaches 20,000 signatures

The actor came under fire for his recent comments on sexual misconduct in Hollywood

A petition to remove Matt Damon from the all-female reboot of Ocean's 11 has reached 20,000 signatures.

The actor, who is set to cameo in new film Ocean's 8, was criticised for his recent comments on the sexual misconduct scandal in Hollywood.

Directed at producers George Clooney and Steven Soderbergh, the petition's statement reads: “The all-female reboot of Ocean's 8 was supposed to be an empowering film for women. The movie spotlights the talents of its tremendous female cast and showcases the savvy and prowess of its characters.

“Damon ... recently gave an interview where said he’d still work people who had been accused of sexual misconduct, on a “case-by-case” basis. This behaviour is beyond enabling - it’s just gross. Matt Damon should not be in this movie.“

It continues: “Damon’s inclusion would trivialize the serious nature of the charges against sexual abusers like Weinstein - a show massive disrespect for the brave women speaking out. It would also send a terrible message about the inevitability of - and lack of accountability for - sexual harassment in the workplace that four in ten American women experience.

In a recent interview, Damon said: “We’re going to have to figure - you know, there’s a difference between, you know, patting someone on the butt and rape or child molestation, right? Both of those behaviours need to be confronted and eradicated without question, but they shouldn’t be conflated, right?”

The first trailer for Ocean's 8 - released on 22 June 2018 - was unveiled last week showing it's all-female cast including Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Rihanna and Mindy Kaling.

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