Jimmy Fallon Issues Apology Amid Allegations of ‘Toxic’ Work Environment on The Tonight Show
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Jimmy Fallon, the presenter of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, has apologised to the cast and crew of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon following reports of a “toxic” work climate on the show’s set. On Thursday, Rolling Stone magazine published an article in which numerous colleagues claimed that The Tonight Show has been a hazardous workplace for years due to Fallon’s “erratic behaviour.” Fallon, who took over as host of the late-night show from Jay Leno in 2014, held a brief Zoom conference on Thursday evening and apologised to the team, according to Variety. “It’s embarrassing, and it makes me feel terrible.” Please accept my apologies if I insulted you, your family, or your friends. “I’m so sorry, I can’t even tell you,” the 48-year-old television personality added.
Jimmy Fallon apologizes to ‘Tonight Show’ staff after @RollingStone's report about toxic workplace:
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 8, 2023
“Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends…I feel so bad I can't even tell you,” pic.twitter.com/EDYBaP9pyY
“I wanted this show to be fun, to be inclusive for everyone, to be funny, to be the best show, to be the finest people,” he added. According to Rolling Stone, the show’s working atmosphere has been “far outside the boundaries of what’s deemed acceptable in the high-pressure world of late-night TV.” The “ugly” behind-the-scenes environment, according to workers, began at the top, with Fallon demonstrating “erratic” behaviour that resulted in repeated shake-ups in the show’s leadership teams. Since Fallon began anchoring The Tonight Show, the show has had nine different showrunners. One employee claimed they were sacked without explanation or prior notice.
Jimmy Fallon Offers An Apology To The Tonight Show Crew Following Toxic Workplace Allegations
Jimmy Fallon, the host of The Tonight Show, has apologised after allegations of a terrible work climate behind the scenes surfaced. According to Variety, Jimmy termed the situation “embarrassing” and expressed regret. Rolling Stone recently reported that it spoke with several past and present staffers and labelled the show a “toxic workplace” in its investigation. According to Variety, Jimmy Fallon said during a Zoom conference with his colleagues, “It’s embarrassing and I feel so bad.” Sorry if I offended you, your family, or your friends. I’m so sorry I can’t even tell you. I want this programme to be fun, to be inclusive of everyone, to be hilarious, to be the finest show with the best people.” According to Deadline, Jimmy also stated, “I never intended to create that type of atmosphere at the show.” I sometimes feel like I’m working with the finest of the best; you guys are at the top of your game.”
According to Variety, some of the staffers stated that their mental health deteriorated during their time on the show. They claimed Jimmy could lash out under duress. A former employee told Rolling Stone that “nobody told Jimmy, ‘no.'” Everyone, notably the showrunners, walked on eggshells.” The former employee also stated that no one knew when Jimmy would “throw a hissy fit.” Look at how many showrunners have left in such a short period of time. We know they weren’t around for long.” There was a “cry room” on the set of the show, according to reports. Jimmy was also accused of appearing inebriated at work during a rehearsal. They said that he ‘couldn’t remember’ crossing a joke himself. Many people assume that the incidents occurred earlier in the show. In 2014, Jimmy took over as host of the show from Jay Leno. The show is currently on hiatus owing to strikes by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA unions, which represent writers and actors, respectively.
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