On the set of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, it was a particularly tense day.
According to a former longtime employee who spoke to Rolling Stone, the host, who is renowned for his friendly and affable demeanor on-screen, was acting especially dismissive and agitated during production meetings.
Then, in front of a studio audience that usually watches the late-night show in rehearsals, he stumbled through the performance.
There are “good Jimmy days” when Fallon’s wit, charm, and creativity are on full display, according to staff members who spoke to Rolling Stone about their experiences working on The Tonight Show, and “bad Jimmy days” when those qualities are not as evident.
The worker claimed that this was a “bad Jimmy day.”
What happened to Jimmy Fallon?
Jimmy Fallon is facing backlash from fans and social media over allegations made by staff on the Tonight Show.
Unsettling allegations regarding the working environment at “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”‘s production facility were made against the host of the program.
Employees, according to Rolling Stone reports, discussed “good Jimmy days” and “bad Jimmy days,” implying that Fallon’s behavior might be erratic and irritable at times.
It was claimed that under stress, the staff members had expletives and had yelled at them.
Tensions on the Set of “The Tonight Show”
They claim that on the day of the rehearsal in 2017, Fallon appeared confused as he crossed out jokes on the paper he was holding, riffed with the audience for a while, and then looked down at the same piece of paper with a puzzled expression.
Unsettling allegations regarding the work environment at “The Tonight Show” have surfaced while late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon is still off the air as a result of the ongoing Hollywood strikes.
Multiple sources allegedly claimed in Rolling Stone’s report that Fallon had a history of “outbursts” and lashing out at staff when under pressure; that previous senior staff on the show had bullied and belittled them; and that guests’ dressing rooms were allegedly known as “cry rooms,” where staff members could go to release their stress.
Since Fallon succeeded Jay Leno as host of the Tonight Show in 2014, nine showrunners have worked there, a significantly higher turnover rate than on other late-night programs like Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
Jimmy Fallon’s Apology and Response
According to reports, Jimmy Fallon apologized to the Tonight Show staff after Rolling Stone published claims made by current and former workers alleging a toxic work environment existed behind the scenes of his late-night program.
I feel terrible because it is embarrassing. In a brief Zoom meeting on Thursday night, Fallon apologized to the Tonight Show staff, staff members present in the meeting told Variety and Rolling Stone.
Fallon apologized if he had caused you, your family, or your friends to feel uncomfortable. I am unable to even express how bad I feel.
Fallon was quoted by both publications as saying, “I want this show to be fun, it should be inclusive for everyone, it should be funny, it should be the best show, the best people.”
Comparisons with Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres, who had also been regarded for several years as one of America’s more lovable comedians, may experience consequences from the Rolling Stone article that are similar to those Ellen DeGeneres experienced.
When Buzzfeed News published an article in July 2020 with numerous accusations made about DeGeneres’ self-titled show being a toxic workplace environment behind the scenes, DeGeneres’ reputation took a hit.
Some celebrities also had negative things to say about DeGeneres, who was a favorite on daytime television.
When discussing the rumors, DeGeneres said in a segment at the beginning of season 18 of the program in September 2020: “I learned that things happen here that never should have happened. That is something I take very seriously.
And I want to express my sincere condolences to everyone who was impacted. Ultimately, after 19 seasons on the air, DeGeneres’ talk show came to an end in May 2022.
