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Leadershipgraduation speeches

Watch Matt Damon Bash the Banking Industry

By
Madeline Farber
Madeline Farber
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By
Madeline Farber
Madeline Farber
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June 6, 2016, 12:59 PM ET
MIT Commencement 2016
Boston Globe Boston Globe— Getty Images
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Matt Damon had some fiery words for the banking industry.

In a commencement speech on Friday before 3,000 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) graduates, the actor blamed bankers for the 2008 Financial Crisis that shocked the world economy, calling it the “biggest heist in history.” Damon also insisted that the financial institutions were aware of the ramifications of their actions, which he said were fraudulent.

Damon labeled Wall Street as a scheme that, “steals people’s money” before throwing a shout-out to Massachusetts freshman senator Elizabeth Warren, who is frequently mentioned as a future political contender among Democrats.

“It was theft, and you knew it. It was fraud and you knew it. And you know what else? We know that you knew it,” Damon said. “I don’t know if justice is coming for you in this life or the next, but if it does come in this life? Her name will be Elizabeth Warren.”

Watch his commencement address here:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj-cK_KfjsI&w=560&h=315]

 

The minimal applause Damon received after his comments might be due to the fact a 2015 study by Harvard Business School found that finance was ranked the most popular industry among MIT grads entering the job market.

Damon, who has endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, also used his commencement address to opine about Donald Trump, a Brexit, and the shortcomings of America’s political system.

About the Author
By Madeline Farber
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