Matt Damon apologises for diversity in film gaffe

Oscar-winning film-maker was criticised for telling an African-American judge on HBO show Project Greenlight that winners should be picked purely on merit

Matt Damon has apologised for appearing to downplay the importance of diversity in film while judging the HBO reality show Project Greenlight, in which first-time directors are given the chance to make a movie.

Damon was heavily criticised on social media, with the hashtag #Damonsplaining trending on Twitter, after an awkward exchange with African-American producer Effie Brown on Sunday's episode of the show, which he created with long-term partner Ben Affleck.