Jimmy Fallon has reportedly apologized to his “Tonight Show” staff after a slew of allegations came out that he created a “toxic” work environment.
“It’s embarrassing and I feel so bad,” he told the staff of the NBC talk show in a Zoom Thursday evening, according to Rolling Stone. “Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends… I feel so bad I can’t even tell you.”
He added that he did not intend to “create that type of atmosphere for the show.”
“I want the show to be fun, [it] should be inclusive to everybody,” Fallon said, per the outlet. “It should be the best show.”
Reps for NBC and Fallon did not immediately return our request for comment.
night Show."" >night Show."" >The apology comes after two current and 14 former employees claimed the “Tonight Show” has been a “toxic” workplace for years.
“Nobody told Jimmy, ‘No.’ Everybody walked on eggshells, especially showrunners,” a former employee claimed to the magazine. “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.”
Sources claimed that Fallon’s “erratic behavior” led to staff, especially showrunners, quitting the company.
“It was like, if Jimmy is in a bad mood, everyone’s day is f–ked,” one former staffer claimed, adding, “It was very much like, focus on whatever it is that you have to do because Jimmy’s in a bad mood, and if he sees that, he might fly off.”
Seven staffers alleged to Rolling Stone that their mental health was affected by the negative atmosphere behind the scenes and that joking about “wanting to kill themselves” was commonplace there. There were also allegations that guests’ dressing rooms were known as “crying rooms” for staff.
“Mentally, I was in the lowest place of my life. I didn’t want to live anymore. I thought about taking my own life all the time,” a former employee said. “I knew deep down I would never actually do it, but in my head, I’m like, ‘Why do I think about this all the time?’”
Back in 2016, Pvnew exclusively reported that NBC was concerned that Fallon’s drinking would lead to problems on the show, although the network denied it at the time.
Following the publication of the report, several staffers came to Fallon’s defense.
“He makes a point of commending you when you do a great job and when he’s happy,” a current employee, who preferred to remain anonymous, told People. “And any feedback I’ve received is always I like, ‘Hey, we don’t need to do that again.’ It’s been very constructive and helpful for me in continuing to put together a show that he’s happy with. I’ve never been belittled, yelled at, nothing like that. It’s all exactly how a boss should give feedback to an employee.”
Another source told Pvnew the environment has shifted since new showrunner Chris Miller joined last May.
“He’s brought a renewed enthusiasm and positive energy to the show,” the source said, while another producer told us that Fallon is extremely “engaged” with the staff and “the atmosphere is very different.”
NBC said in a statement Thursday, “We are incredibly proud of The Tonight Show, and providing a respectful working environment is a top priority.
night Show."" >“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.”
Fallon was spotted for the first time at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York on Thursday just hours after the allegations came out. He kept low-key, wearing sunglasses inside as he walked in a casual cardigan and black joggers.
He has not publicly responded to the report.
