Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon addressed allegations from 16 current and former employees accusing him of creating an unhealthy work environment.
In response to the accusations, Fallon held a Zoom call with his staff to apologize for any harm he might have caused. According to Rolling Stone, he expressed deep remorse, mentioning how bad he felt about the situation.
The employees claim that behind the scenes, Fallon had unpredictable mood shifts, which resulted in a tense atmosphere. “If Jimmy is in a bad mood, everyone’s day is affected,” one former employee told Rolling Stone.
There were allegations that such an environment led to high staff turnover, with the show seeing nine different show-runners over the course of nine years.
However, a source close to the Tonight Show offered a different perspective, stating that the incidents being brought up are from years ago and don’t reflect the current environment. They emphasized that any past issues have been addressed, and the team has since moved forward.
Transitioning from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to The Tonight Show brought about a change in work dynamics, as per one former employee who indicated that there was immense pressure felt from producers down to the rest of the staff.
Several staff members reported adverse effects on their mental health, with some even seeking therapy due to their experiences. Others mentioned facing health issues that they attributed to work-related stress.
Previous concerns about Fallon’s behavior were noted in a 2015 New York Post article that discussed Fallon’s drinking habits. He addressed these allegations in a 2017 interview with the New York Times, denying that drinking affected his work performance.
NBC, which airs The Tonight Show, provided a statement in response, emphasizing the network’s commitment to a respectful working environment. They encouraged employees to report any inconsistencies they see.