The famed late-night host of the ‘Tonight Show’, Jimmy Fallon, is facing significant backlash following allegations from former and current staff detailing a toxic behind-the-scenes environment.
What Did Jimmy Fallon Say in His Apology?
In a swift response to the allegations, Fallon organized a Zoom meeting with the staff of the ‘Tonight Show’. He expressed his deep remorse stating, “It’s embarrassing and I feel so bad. Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends.” Fallon continued, voicing his commitment to creating a show that’s inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. “I want this show to be fun, it should be inclusive for everybody, it should be funny, it should be the best show, the best people,” he said.
Who Made the Allegations Against Fallon and The Tonight Show?
Rolling Stone first raised awareness of these claims through an article published by them, reaching out to both current and former employees including writers and members of production crew. Two current employees and 14 former ones came forward, all choosing anonymity due to fear of potential retaliation from management. They also reached out to 80 more staff who weren’t willing to share positive experiences or speak publicly on record.
What Are the Specific Claims About The Work Environment?
The allegations detail not only Fallon’s behavior but also the general environment of the show. Several sources have claimed that Fallon had tendencies for “outbursts” and would often lash out at staff members when under pressure. The environment was described as so tense that guests’ dressing rooms were often referred to as “cry rooms”, places where employees could vent out their stress.
Why Has There Been a High Turnover of Showrunners on The Tonight Show?
Since Fallon assumed the role in 2014, succeeding Jay Leno, the Tonight Show has seen nine different showrunners. This number is notably high, especially when compared to other late-night shows such as ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’ and ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’. An ex-employee shed light on this rapid turnover saying, “You never knew which Jimmy we were going to get and when he was going to throw a hissy fit. Look how many showrunners went so quickly.”
How Have NBC and Fallon’s Representatives Responded?
While Fallon’s representatives have chosen to remain silent on the issue, NBC has provided a statement. They said, “As in any workplace, we have had employees raise issues; those have been investigated and action has been taken where appropriate.” The network also encourages employees to voice any concerns or grievances, assuring them of appropriate redressal.
What’s Next for The Tonight Show and Late Night TV?
The allegations come at a challenging time for the Tonight Show and other late-night TV programs. There is currently a hiatus due to strikes by writers and actors in Hollywood. In the interim, Fallon has joined other hosts like Colbert, Meyers, Kimmel, and Oliver to start a group podcast. The aim of this podcast is to raise funds to support their staff during these challenging times.
As investigations unfold and the story develops, many are hopeful for transparency and an environment where every employee feels valued and safe.
