A blistering Rolling Stone article exposing a “toxic work environment” led to a Thursday apology by late night talk show host Jimmy Fallon. The leftist who regularly demonizes conservatives called his actions “embarrassing” and expressed remorse for past deeds.
Variety reported that the television star held a quick Zoom meeting with employees. Fallon reportedly told workers, “I feel so bad I can’t even tell you.”
He added his desire for the program to be “fun” and “inclusive.”
The brutal report cited a pair of current workers and 14 former employees who agreed the conditions faced on the “Tonight Show” were unacceptable. They termed the atmosphere as “far outside the boundaries” of what would normally be a high-pressure situation.
One former Fallon employee described it as their “dream job.” However, it became a nightmare in a hurry, leaving the ex-worker to categorize the environment as “sad.”
Other anonymous sources asserted the toxicity originated from Fallon himself. They charged that his behavior regularly changed, resulting in constant turnover for the show’s leadership.
Jimmy Fallon has reportedly apologized to Tonight Show staffers following claims that The Tonight Show's seemingly bubbly host, fuels a toxic work environment. https://t.co/jatQUrin1A pic.twitter.com/hSbiskQArc
— IGN (@IGN) September 8, 2023
Bosses belittled and intimidated staffers, according to accounts cited by the magazine. Employees recounted a 2017 incident when Fallon struggled through rehearsal, leading people on the set to believe he was drunk.
He apparently forgot to cross out jokes on a sheet of paper.
A former staffer recounted, “No one told Jimmy, ‘No.’ Everybody walked on eggshells, especially showrunners. You never knew which Jimmy we were going to get and when he was going to throw a hissy fit. Look how many showrunners went so quickly. We know they didn’t last long.”
Employees said they voiced their concerns to HR but the problems continued.
Former staffers admitted to having “nightmares” and living in a “constant state of fear.” One said they were in the “lowest place in my life.” They described not wanting to live anymore and considering suicide.
Four told interviewers they are currently in therapy due to mistreatment.
Two told Rolling Stone of a situation when Fallon belittled a staffer handling cue cards in front of comedian Jerry Seinfeld. The guest told Fallon to apologize, and he did in what was described as an “uncomfortable moment.”
The New York Post reported that conditions in the production improved with last year’s hiring of new showrunner Chris Miller. A producer told the outlet, “There’s a new wave that came in a year and a half ago and has just made everything change.”
