The video, starring Kimmel, Affleck and a whole host of other celebs, was shot last week at the Roosevelt hotel in Los Angeles, and in an L.A. recording studio. It became an instant YouTube sensation after it debuted following the Oscars early Monday morning.
Jill Leiderman, executive producer of Jimmy Kimmel Live, reveals that the idea came from Kimmel and his director and was “completely fueled by revenge” after Kimmel’s girlfriend Sarah Silverman released the video “I’m F*cking Matt Damon” last month.
“Sarah and Matt’s piece aired on a Thursday, and that Friday, Jimmy came into the office and said, ‘We have to get to Ben Affleck, like, right away!’” Leiderman tells Us Weekly. “So I reached out to his representation, and by Sunday, Ben was locked.”
But the pair weren’t nervous about showing their “love” for each other on national TV, says Leiderman. “I don’t think there was any fear there.
“I think there’s nothing but love there.”
Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford, Rebecca Romijn, Cameron Diaz and Robin Williams all starred in the clip, with Diaz making obscene gestures and Harrison Ford blowing Affleck and Kimmel a kiss. “Once Jimmy and Ben were ready to come out to the world, they got the support of their famous friends,” Leiderman says.
And Ugly Betty star Romijn adds that he was more than happy to sign up to star in the video. “It was so exciting to help celebrate their love for one another,” she said. “They make a beautiful couple.”
