5 Shocking Truths About The Matt Damon And Jimmy Kimmel 'Feud'—Are They Really Friends?

The question of whether Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel genuinely despise each other has become one of Hollywood's most enduring and hilarious mysteries. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the answer remains a resounding, yet complicated, "No." The decades-long rivalry is, in fact, a carefully orchestrated, satirical feud that has become one of late-night television's most successful running gags, evolving from a simple, improvised joke into elaborate, Emmy-worthy pranks that continually baffle new audiences and delight long-time fans.

The core intention behind the joke is to maintain a level of curious ambiguity, but the reality is that the actor and the late-night host are close friends who have managed to keep the bit fresh for over 20 years. Their commitment to the "feud" is a testament to their deep friendship and comedic timing, with every new interaction—from surprise on-set appearances to public insults—serving as the latest chapter in their fake battle for supremacy.

The Definitive History of Hollywood's Longest Running Gag

The Damon-Kimmel "feud" didn't begin with a grand plan or a writers' room brainstorm; it started with a moment of pure, unscripted exhaustion. The year was 2005, and Jimmy Kimmel Live! was in its third season.

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The Four Infamous Words That Launched a Rivalry

The entire, long-running joke was born out of a simple need to end the show on time. On one particular night, host Jimmy Kimmel was wrapping up his show and realized he had run out of time. On a whim, he jokingly apologized to an A-list actor who wasn't even scheduled to appear.

• The Birth of the Bit: Kimmel ended the show by saying, "Apologies to Matt Damon, we ran out of time."
• The Reason: He chose Matt Damon because he was a major star, and the idea of bumping an actor of his caliber was inherently funny.
• The Reaction: The line was a hit with the crew, and Kimmel began using it regularly as a way to close the show, solidifying the phrase "Apologies to Matt Damon, we ran out of time" as a late-night staple.

This improvised one-liner quickly evolved into a full-blown narrative. Damon, a quick-witted actor, soon caught wind of the joke and decided to play along, transforming a simple sign-off into a complex, satirical public feud that has spanned two decades.

The Evolution of the Feud: From One-Liner to Elaborate Pranks

What makes the Damon-Kimmel dynamic so compelling is its constant evolution. It’s not just a repeated joke; it’s an ongoing, high-production comedy series that spills across late-night TV, award shows, and even public events. Over the years, the "feud" has produced some of the most memorable moments in late-night history, demonstrating their commitment to the bit and their deep friendship.

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Key Moments and Collaborations That Prove They're Friends

The most irrefutable evidence that Damon and Kimmel are, in fact, close friends comes from the sheer amount of time, effort, and collaboration they pour into their "rivalry."

1. The "I'm F*cking Matt Damon" Diss Track:

In 2008, the feud reached a new level of viral fame when Kimmel's then-girlfriend (now wife), Sarah Silverman, performed a song on Jimmy Kimmel Live! titled "I'm F*cking Matt Damon." The segment was an elaborate, Emmy-winning musical number featuring Damon and a host of other celebrities, which was later followed by Kimmel’s retaliatory song, "F*cking Ben Affleck," featuring Damon's best friend.

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2. The Oscar Hostage Situation:

At the 89th Academy Awards, Kimmel, who was hosting, hired a full orchestra to play Damon off the stage mid-sentence. Damon was nominated for a film that night, and Kimmel's public insult was a major highlight, showcasing the host's willingness to take the bit to the biggest stage in Hollywood.

3. The House Swap and Therapy Sessions:

In one memorable segment, Kimmel staged a "couples therapy" session with Damon, and in another, Damon literally took over the show and renamed it Jimmy Kimmel Sucks!, forcing Kimmel to appear as a guest. These high-concept skits require significant planning and coordination, which only good friends would agree to do.

4. The George Clooney and Brad Pitt Intervention:

The "feud" has become so famous that other A-list celebrities often get involved. Frequent co-conspirators include Damon’s long-time collaborator Ben Affleck, and Hollywood heavyweights George Clooney and Brad Pitt, who have appeared in various skits, often siding with Kimmel to mock Damon.

The Latest Chapter: The "Hot Green Sewer Labubu" and Choking Incident

To maintain topical authority, the joke must continue, and the latest interactions in late 2024 prove the satirical feud is still going strong. The most recent pranks are perhaps the most ridiculous yet, demonstrating the duo’s unwavering commitment to the running gag.

The Brooklyn Week Mascot Crash (2024)

During a 2024 "Brooklyn Week" run of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Matt Damon made a surprise, unannounced cameo on the show. However, he did not appear as himself. Instead, he was dressed in an outlandish, bright green mascot costume, sometimes referred to as the "Hot Green Sewer Labubu" or "Frankie Focus," the supposed new mascot for New York.

Damon crashed Kimmel's monologue, attempting to disrupt the show while remaining in disguise. This highly produced segment, requiring Damon to fly across the country and don a ridiculous outfit, confirms that their "hatred" is purely for entertainment.

The Real-Life Choking Rescue

Perhaps the most definitive proof of their friendship came from a recent, non-scripted moment. Kimmel revealed in a new interview that he actually saved Matt Damon’s life. The late-night host recalled an incident where Damon was visiting his home and began choking on food. Kimmel, reacting quickly, performed the Heimlich maneuver and successfully saved his friend.

This real-life act of heroism, which Kimmel, of course, presented with a sarcastic twist, highlights the genuine, non-televised bond they share. Despite the on-screen insults, Kimmel clearly cares for Damon, and the fact that Damon was comfortably visiting Kimmel’s home speaks volumes about their relationship off-camera.

The Verdict: Why the Feud Will Never End

The question "does Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel get along" can be answered with a definitive, two-part conclusion: Yes, they are close friends, and No, they will never stop pretending to hate each other.

The satirical feud has become a foundational element of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a beloved piece of pop culture. It serves as a reliable, hilarious, and always-fresh source of content that provides a unique platform for both men to showcase their comedic talents. It’s a running gag that is bigger than any single movie promotion or late-night segment.

This enduring rivalry is a masterclass in celebrity branding, proving that a fake feud can be far more entertaining and profitable than a real one. As long as Matt Damon has a new film to promote—whether it’s Oppenheimer, Jason Bourne, or his latest project—fans can be certain that he will be "bumped" from the show, crash the set in an elaborate costume, or be the subject of Kimmel’s next great insult. The joke, like their friendship, is built to last.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords Related to the Feud

• The Core Joke: "Apologies to Matt Damon, we ran out of time."
• Key Collaborators: Ben Affleck, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Sarah Silverman.
• Feud Terminology: Satirical feud, running gag, late-night joke, improvised line, 20-year rivalry.
• Notable Moments: "I'm F*cking Matt Damon," Oscar Hostage, The Choking Incident, Brooklyn Week Mascot Crash.