In recent months, we’ve been plagued with headlines of star-sightings in Australia. Byron Bay has become the new LA, with actors spotted lounging on the beach, taking a stroll along the foreshore, or partying it up with the Hemsworths. With a slew of projects set to begin filming in Australia, it seems the star numbers are only increasing. But though many will come to Australian soil for filming, few can attest to having truly become part of Aussie culture as they embrace all we have to offer in the land Down Under. Matt Damon, however, isn’t one of them. The actor is clearly getting stuck into Aussie life and if his latest TV interview is anything to go by, we might as well hand him citizenship.
Damon arrived in Australia to film his upcoming project, Thor: Love and Thunder. It’s hardly surprising that the star has been spotted with Chris Hemsworth on numerous occasions, including the infamous “White Party” that seemed to go viral on social media, as images shared from within the party gave us all a rare insight into the life of the rich and famous living more locally.
Though filming is a gruelling affair, Damon proved that even Hollywood’s biggest stars are entitled to a night off on occasion. In a recent interview with NBC Today, Damon dialled into have a chat with the hosts from the TAB section of a pub, and was even seen knocking back a schooner. “I’m in Australia, I’m having a beer,” the 50-year-old said.
Damon went on to tell the hosts, “The people at the local pub were nice enough to leave it open just so that I could do this because they’ve got the best internet connection in this neighbourhood where I am.”
The actor was apparently doing the interview from a pub in Byron Bay, and with the time difference Damon had to stay awake for the 11pm call time. During the interview, the actor discussed his move and the upcoming project, but was largely pressed for details about his good mate, Ben Affleck and rumours about the rekindled romance between Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. Photos of the couple surfaced after J.Lo announced her split with Alex Rodriguez and now the pair seem to be inseparable.
“There’s not enough liquor in the world for you to get me to say something about that,” Damon laughed. “It’s the first time I’ve heard about it. It’s a fascinating story. I love them both. I hope it’s true, that would be awesome,” he said.
More importantly, as Australia continues to grappled with accusations lodged at those in the highest positions of power from women alleging sexual assault, Damon has proved that those capable of giving back need to do so. As women continue to take to the streets and demand greater change, Damon donated $10,000 to a domestic violence charity in Brisbane. News of his charitable act came from a woman who was in attendance and is the daughter of the charity’s founder, who revealed Damon and his wife were “genuinely interested” in the issue of preventing domestic violence.
Safe Haven tweeted a message of support in thanks to the Damons for injecting some media attention to the cause. “We had a great function today. Such a great success on so many levels because of the contribution of so many wonderful people, and then this generous person turns up to put the icing on the cake. Thank you Matt Damon.”
