Jimmy Fallon apologises to Tonight Show staffers over toxic workplace allegations

Jimmy Fallon, the renowned host of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, offered an apology to his staff on Thursday (September 7) afternoon, following reports that depicted the late-night talk show's work environment as toxic. These reports also shed light on allegations of erratic behavior by Fallon.

Earlier that day, Rolling Stone magazine published accounts from two current and fourteen former employees, including production crew members and writers. Their allegations painted a picture of The Tonight Show as a "toxic workplace," where they felt uncomfortable due to Fallon's occasional erratic behaviour, which included snapping and displaying irritation over minor issues.

Jimmy Fallon's apology for a toxic workplace and erratic behaviour

• In response to these allegations, Jimmy Fallon, 48, convened a Zoom meeting with The Tonight Show staff on Thursday evening.
• He expressed profound regret, saying, "It's embarrassing, and I feel so bad. Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends." Fallon continued, "I feel so bad I can't even tell you."
• He went on to emphasize, "I want this show to be fun, inclusive for everybody, funny, the best show with the best people," as relayed by attendees of the meeting to Variety and Rolling Stone.

Towards the end of the Zoom session, the staff rallied behind Fallon, conveying their support by exclaiming, "We love you, Jimmy. We've got your back."

What are the allegations?

• Rolling Stone's report contained multiple claims, asserting that Fallon had a history of "outbursts" and uncharacteristic behavior directed at staff when under pressure.

• Additionally, it alleged that previous senior staff members on the show had engaged in bullying and spoke rudely to their subordinates. Furthermore, it suggested that guests' dressing rooms were informally referred to as "cry rooms," where employees would seek solace to cope with their stress and emotions.

• Staff members asserted that these conditions had taken a severe toll on their mental health, resulting in nightmares, hair and weight loss, and even suicidal ideation. These employees chose to speak to Rolling Stone anonymously, fearing potential repercussions.

• The article also reported that a former employee described Fallon's workplace demeanor as fluctuating between "good Jimmy days" and "bad Jimmy days," with the latter involving outbursts and irritability.

• Another staffer claimed that when Fallon was in a foul mood, "people wouldn't engage in office banter, and they refrained from socializing. It was very much a case of focusing on tasks because Jimmy was in a bad mood, and if he noticed any distractions, he might react negatively."

NBC, the network airing The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, issued a statement in response to the Rolling Stone report, saying, "We take great pride in The Tonight Show, and creating a respectful working environment remains a top priority."

The network's spokesperson further remarked, "As with any workplace, we have received employee feedback, and these concerns have been thoroughly investigated, with appropriate actions taken. As always, we encourage employees who encounter or witness behavior inconsistent with our policies to report their concerns, ensuring they are addressed accordingly."

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