Search icon

Celebrity

08th Sep 2023

Jimmy Fallon issues apology after claims of ‘hostile’ work environment

Ellen Fitzpatrick

US TV presenter Jimmy Fallon has been forced to apologise after allegedly “embarrassing” his staff following claims of a “toxic environment”.

Two current employees and 14 former ones at The Tonight Show have claimed that their workplace has been “toxic” for years, also saying that Jimmy displayed “erratic behaviour” on the show.

They also noted that there were ever-changing leadership teams and a new showrunner every year for the past nine years.

Various former staff members said that their mental health has been impacted due to working on The Tonight Show.

Jimmy has now allegedly spoken out about the claims following a Zoom call with staff.

He reportedly said: “It’s embarrassing and I feel so bad. Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends.”

Rolling Stone Magazine, who published the original report accusing The Tonight Show, also said that Jimmy added: “I feel so bad I can’t even tell you.”

They have also reported that he acknowledged the high staff turnover and noted that current showrunner Chris Miller is a “great leader” who isn’t leaving anytime soon.

Jimmy continued: “I want the show to be fun, [it] should be inclusive to everybody. It should be the best show.”

Staff members who have made the claims about the hostile work environment have said it was their “dream job” to work on the show but it became a “nightmare very quickly”.
One noted that Jimmy was “erratic” on set and it was “really sad” that he created a “horrible environment for the people there”.

NBC has defended the show in a statement shared with the publication. It read: “We are incredibly proud of The Tonight Show, and providing a respectful working environment is a top priority.

“As in any workplace, we have had employees raise issues; those have been investigated and action has been taken where appropriate. As is always the case, we encourage employees who feel they have experienced or observed behavior inconsistent with our policies to report their concerns so that we may address them accordingly.”

READ MORE

Topics:

Jimmy Fallon