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| Jimmy Fallon (Photo:Andrew Lipovsky/NBC) |
During a Zoom meeting with "Tonight Show" staff, Jimmy Fallon apologized for his behavior at the show after a Rolling Stone report was published detailing his alleged erratic conduct. Fallon expressed embarrassment and remorse, apologizing to the staff and their families and friends for any embarrassment he may have caused. He emphasized his desire for the show to be inclusive, fun, and the best it can be.
According to the Rolling Stone exposé, 16 current and former staff members of The Tonight Show alleged that Fallon's behavior created a toxic environment behind the scenes. The staff members, who ranged from production crew members to writers, requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation. They claimed that Fallon's mood was highly erratic, leading to an ugly atmosphere. This allegedly contributed to the high turnover of showrunners on the program. Some staff members believe that the show has yet to find a leader who can effectively manage the situation. However, it is worth noting that since the current showrunner, Chris Miller, took over in March 2022, no formal complaints have been made.
The Rolling Stone article provides specific anecdotes about Fallon's alleged behavior. One anonymous staff member stated that they observed Fallon appearing drunk on set, which raised concerns about the future of the show. Fallon denied previous reports claiming he had issues with excessive drinking. Additionally, the article describes Fallon's "good Jimmy days" and "bad Jimmy days," with the latter characterized by snapping at crew members and belittling staff. The staff reportedly used code language to warn each other when Fallon was having one of his bad days.
The Rolling Stone story also includes an anecdote where Fallon allegedly yelled at a cue card holder during a taping with Jerry Seinfeld. However, Seinfeld defended Fallon, stating that the incident was taken out of context. The article suggests that Fallon's behavior created a fear among the staff, leading to a negative work environment. Some employees claimed to have experienced anxiety attacks, resorted to medication, and even had suicidal thoughts due to the toxic environment. Despite HR complaints, the issues persisted.
Fallon, a former cast member of "Saturday Night Live," took over as the host of The Tonight Show in 2014. He did not respond directly to Rolling Stone's requests for comment, but an NBC spokesperson stated that providing a respectful working environment is a priority for the network. The spokesperson emphasized that employee concerns are taken seriously and addressed when appropriate, encouraging individuals to report any behavior inconsistent with company policies.
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