After a Rolling Stone article concerning his past conduct at NBC's iconic late-night show, Jimmy Fallon issued an apology to "Tonight Show" staff members on Thursday.
It's embarrassing, and I really regret it. Variety has learned that Fallon remarked, "Sorry if I humiliated you and your family and friends," during a Zoom meeting with "Tonight" staff. I'm in such pain that I can't even tell you. "I want this show to be entertaining, it should be inclusive for everyone, it should be hilarious, it should be the best program, with the best people," he reportedly remarked during the brief discussion.
A number of former "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" employees spoke to Rolling Stone about what they called a poisonous work atmosphere in the NBC late-night program's production. Several of these employees claimed that their mental health deteriorated as they worked on the program because Fallon allegedly reacted violently when under pressure. Since Fallon took over as host from Jay Leno in 2014, "Tonight" has been overseen by nine different showrunners. In contrast, there is far less turnover at Comedy Central's "Daily Show," NBC's "Late Night With Seth Meyers," ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live," and CBS' "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert."
Executives from NBC declined to give interviews.
When Chris Miller was appointed showrunner in March of last year, insiders at the program noted a period of stability. Miller, who spent 23 years working with Drew Barrymore and her Flower Films production firm, claims to have spent a lot of time coordinating the many financiers for a piece of entertainment. Nancy Juvonen, Fallon's wife and Barrymore's longstanding producing partner, was one of the individuals he connected with at that time. Early on, Miller sought to steer the show away from overtly political comedy and instead concentrated on Fallon's skills, such as his impressions, skits, and music.
"Nobody said, 'No,' to Jimmy. Everyone tread carefully, but showrunners, in particular, a former worker told the magazine. "You never knew which Jimmy we would get or when he would start acting up. Take a look at how soon so many showrunners left. We are aware of their brief existence.
Due to the unpleasant work climate, the program purportedly included a "cry room" where staff members could unwind.
One former worker recalled, "It was like, if Jimmy is in a terrible mood, everyone's day is wrecked." "People wouldn't joke around or stand about and speak to each other in the office. Focus on whatever you need to accomplish since Jimmy isn't feeling well and he could fly off if he sees that, was the message.
At practice, a staff member claimed Fallon seemed inebriated and couldn't remember striking out a joke on his notes. The employee claimed, "He couldn't recall he had just crossed it out himself. "Oh, my Goodness, he [looks] intoxicated,' I thought. He has no idea what he is doing. This might be terrible; this may be the moment when the program ends.
Due to strikes by the unions that represent writers and actors, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, Fallon's "Tonight Show" is now on break.
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