Matt Damon’s
attendance at a bullfight in Mexico last week caused an almighty stir amongst animal lovers. The backlash was instant, and Damon was vilified everywhere from animal rights websites to the Daily Mail. However it seems that we may have been too quick to write him off.
Within twenty-four hours of the story breaking Damon had personally phoned PETA Vice President Lisa Lange to correct the false impression he had given. He explained that he is vehemently opposed to bullfighting, but wanted to see first-hand the cruelty which is inflicted on the animals. Seeing what goes on with his own eyes has reinforced his belief that bullfights should be consigned to the history books.
A spokesperson from PETA said that Matt Damon was “upset to think that his attendance was in any way construed to be an endorsement of such a barbaric activity.” We hope that Mr Damon will now use his knowledge and celebrity status to influence and educate others about the cruelties of the bullfight.