Matthew McConaughey weighs in on masks: ‘short-term inconvenience for long-term freedom’ – USA TODAY

Matthew McConaughey's comments on Russell Brand's podcast about the politically left and right meeting "in the middle" stir even more internet debates. USA TODAY

Matthew McConaugheyrecently called out what he called the "politicized" dispute overmask wearing to protect against COVID-19.

The Oscar-winning actor, rumored to be considering throwing his hat in the Texas governor race,talked about the importance of making sacrifices for "larger rewards tomorrow"during a Thursday-aired interview on "The Carlos Watson Show."The"Dallas Buyers Club" star used the debate over mask wearing as an example and saidhe doesn't believe people are really scared of a"little cotton thing."

"I'm not believing you really feel (a mask) takes away your identity and your freedom," McConaughey told Watson. "This is a short-term inconvenience for long-term freedom."

Mask mandate compliance during the coronavirus pandemic has sparked debates and protests throughout the country. In previous recommendations, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said wearing masks slows the spread of COVID-19, but some individuals refused to wear masks.

More: Viral videos show anti-mask protest at Phoenix's Christown Spectrum Mall

Matthew McConaughey called out anti-maskers saying he can't believe people are scared of a "little cotton thing."(Photo: Chris Pizzello, Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

"There's no data that says it's not a good thing, no data that says it'sharmful. Let's all take one for the team here." McConaughey added during the interview.

More: CDC lifts indoor mask guidelines for fully vaccinated people. What does it actually mean?

The 51-year-old stressed the importance of masks earlier this year after mask mandates were to be lifted in Texas.

Texas Gov.Greg Abbott said on March 2 he was moving to"open Texas 100%"and would issue anexecutive order to rescind most of his earlier orders, including the July 2 statewide mask requirement. McConaughey said he was "dumbfounded" by Abbott's decisionin a March interview with "CBS This Morning."

More: Matthew McConaughey says he was 'dumbfounded' by Texas governor's decision to lift mask mandate

"Ijust want to remind,not only Texans, but everybodyout there, it's not the mask we're afraid of, c'mon," McConaughey said at the time."It's the word 'mandate.'Let's not let the word 'mandate' get in the way of practical use of this little tool called a mask."

More: Many of us didn't touch during the pandemic: Is it safe to hug again?

The CDC earlier in May updated its guidance regarding masks for fully vaccinated people. For the most part, those who are fully vaccinated do not have to wear masks indoors, according to the CDC.The agency also said fully vaccinated people dont have to wear masks outdoors, even in crowded spaces.

CDC guidelines say fully vaccinated people must still wear a mask in health care settings, transportation hubs such as airports and stations, and public transportation. That includes planes, buses and trains traveling into, within or outside of the U.S. as part of a federal mask mandate that was extended to Sept. 13.

Contributing: Jenna Ryu, Adrianna Rodriguez

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Matthew McConaughey weighs in on masks: 'short-term inconvenience for long-term freedom' - USA TODAY