Dissecting the Jimmy Kimmel and Matt Damon ‘Feud’: Fact or Fabricated?

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Matt Damon’s Latest ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Appearance continues Decades-Long Feud

Los Angeles, CA – Actor Matt Damon once again stirred up playful chaos on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ this week, appearing in disguise and reigniting a decades-long, celebrated rivalry with host Jimmy kimmel. The incident occurred during Kimmel’s return to the show after a brief hiatus following controversy related to comments about Charlie Kirk, culminating in a ratings surge for the late-night program.

Damon’s Disguised Return

On the October 3rd episode,Damon surprised the audience by appearing dressed as Frankie Focus,a character representing a recent New York City schools initiative banning cell phones. Kimmel quickly unmasked his longtime comedic foil, referring to him as a “hot green sewer Labubu.” Damon jokingly explained his elaborate entrance was motivated by a desire to appear on the show, quipping, “I wore this costume because this is the last chance to get on the show.”

A History of Pranks and Playful Banter

The roots of this ongoing “feud” stretch back to 2005,when Kimmel concluded an episode of his show by jokingly apologizing to Damon,despite the actor not being scheduled as a guest. The following year, Damon finally appeared, only to have Kimmel abruptly end the interview. This initiated a series of escalating pranks and retaliations.

In 2007, a viral video featuring comedian Sarah Silverman, than dating Kimmel, pretending to have a relationship with Damon further fueled the rivalry. Kimmel countered with a video involving Ben Affleck and a host of other Hollywood stars. The playful back-and-forth continued over the years, including instances of Damon hosting the show while Kimmel was bound and gagged in 2013, and a series of mock “therapy” sessions.

Oscars and Ongoing jokes

The rivalry has become a running gag during the Academy Awards, particularly during Kimmel’s years as host. In 2017, Kimmel joked about hoping Damon wouldn’t win an Oscar. This continued in 2023, when Kimmel expressed “thrill” at Damon’s absence, and in 2024, with a playful jab involving a canine companion urinating on Damon’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

Year	Key Event
2005	Kimmel’s initial “Apologies to Matt Damon” joke.
2007	Viral video featuring Sarah Silverman.
2013	Damon “takes over” ‘jimmy Kimmel Live!’
2017-2024	Ongoing jokes during the Academy Awards.
2025	Damon’s disguised appearance as Frankie Focus.

Did You Know? Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel have consistently shown mutual respect, with Damon attending Kimmel’s wedding in 2013 and Kimmel officiating Damon’s anniversary vow renewal the same year.

Despite the outward show of rivalry, the relationship between Damon and Kimmel appears to be rooted in genuine friendship. During the 2023 WGA strikes, Damon and Affleck reportedly offered to financially support Kimmel’s staff, an offer Kimmel declined but acknowledged with gratitude.

Is this feud a genuine dislike, or purely a masterful piece of comedic timing and a long-running bit for entertainment purposes? The playful jabs and surprising appearances continue to captivate audiences, maintaining a unique dynamic in late-night television.

The Evolving Landscape of Late-Night Comedy

The dynamic between Kimmel and Damon reflects a broader trend in late-night television: the blurring of lines between host and guest, and the increasing reliance on running gags and established comedic relationships to attract and retain audiences. The success of these types of bits highlights the importance of personality and rapport in a highly competitive media landscape. According to Nielsen ratings, late-night shows with established comedic partnerships often see a boost in viewership, particularly during periods of promotional activity or special events. A 2024 study by Statista indicated that approximately 35% of U.S.adults regularly watch late-night talk shows, demonstrating the continued appeal of this format.