Los Angeles, Sep 30 (IANS): Actor Matt Damon, who suffered backlash for his comments about sexuality and actors being openly gay in Hollywood, has clarified his remarks on a TV show.

"I was just trying to say actors are more effective when they're a mystery, right," he said in explanation of his previous statements on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show", reports aceshowbiz.com.

"And somebody picked it up and said I said gay actors should get back in the closet. Which is like, I mean it's stupid, but it is painful when things get said that you don't believe. You know what I mean? And then it gets represented that that's what you believe," he added.

Damon landed in hot waters as he appeared to imply that gay actors should stay in the closet.

Talking about his role as gay in HBO's movie "Behind the Candelabra", he was quoted as saying by The Guardian: "I think it must be really hard for actors to be out publicly. But in terms of actors, I think you're a better actor the less people know about you period."

Many then criticised him for applying a double standard, as he openly talked about his wife and children in the interview.