Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon recently responded to allegations made by 16 current and former employees regarding his workplace behavior. These accusations painted a picture of Fallon creating an unhealthy work environment.
According to the details, Fallon convened a Zoom call with his staff to address the concerns and apologize for any harm he may have caused. Rolling Stone reported that during this interaction, the late-night host expressed deep remorse for his actions and conveyed how deeply troubled he was by the entire episode.
Several employees have voiced their concerns, stating that Fallon’s unpredictable mood shifts often made the atmosphere on set tense. One former employee told Rolling Stone, “If Jimmy is in a bad mood, everyone’s day is affected.”
The impact of this working environment was such that there was a significant staff turnover. In a span of nine years, the show reportedly saw nine different show-runners.
However, there’s another side to this story. An individual close to the Tonight Show commented that many of the incidents being discussed are dated and do not represent the current environment of the show. They further noted that past concerns have been duly addressed, leading to a more harmonious atmosphere.
The transition from “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” to “The Tonight Show” saw a shift in work dynamics. A former employee mentioned that there was noticeable pressure felt across all tiers of the show, from producers to staff.
The magnitude of the pressure and the environment had severe consequences. Multiple staff members reported mental health effects, with a few seeking therapy. Some even stated they developed health issues they believe stemmed from the stress at work.
Fallon’s behavior had been under scrutiny before. A 2015 New York Post article had highlighted concerns regarding Fallon’s drinking habits. In response, he gave an interview in 2017 to the New York Times, wherein he refuted claims that his drinking had any impact on his professional life.
NBC, the network responsible for broadcasting The Tonight Show, weighed in on the situation. Their statement underscored their unwavering commitment to fostering a respectful work environment and urged employees to voice any concerns they might have.