McConaughey Urges Protestors To See Tropic Thunder

MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY has defended controversial new movie TROPIC THUNDER against disability advocate groups, who claim the comedy is irresponsible.

The actor, who has a cameo in the Ben Stiller film, was stunned to find protestors at the movie's Los Angeles premiere last week (ends15Aug08).

They were there protesting the use of the word 'retard' in the film and one scene, in which Stiller and co-star Robert Downey Jr.s' characters poke fun at the mentally disabled.

But McConaughey insists those who fear the film sends the wrong message should at least see the movie, which debuted at number one on Sunday (17Aug08).

Writing on his MySpace.com blog, the Sahara star says: "If you see it, I think you'll agree that all the touchy humour is in context, and in no way mean spirited or irresponsible."