A scathing exposé published on September 7 by Rolling Stone revealed some ongoing issues behind the scenes ofThe Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. The report, which utilized statements from 16 staffers and two former employees, pointed at the host and a revolving door of show runners as the significant contributors to a toxic workplace. Those interviewed also spoke about particular incidents of inappropriateness stemming fromThe Tonight Showhost and other higher-ups. A particular reported incident involvesJerry Seinfeld, but the famed comedian has come forward to clear the air.
According to two employees, Seinfeld once askedJimmy Fallonto apologize to a crew member holding cue cards during a taping of the show. That portion of Seinfeld’s interview never made it to viewers' screens.
According to one former employee:
“It was very awkward and Jerry [Seinfeld] was like, ‘You should apologize to him,’ almost trying to make it a joke. It was one of the strangest moments ever and so many people were there, so it’s kind of hard to forget.”
Seinfeld is not denying that the incident transpired, but claims the intention of the moment was misconstrued. In a statement toVariety, he said:
“This is so stupid. I remember this moment quite well… I teased Jimmy about a flub, and we all had a fun laugh about how rarely Jimmy is thrown off. It was not uncomfortable at all. Jimmy and I still occasionally recall it and laugh. Idiotic twisting of events.”
Seinfeld’s statement about “how rarely Jimmy is thrown off” seems accurate if you consider Fallon’s accomplishments: he’s received endless awards nominations for his work on late night television and won multiple Emmy Awards, Critics Choice Awards and People’s Choice Awards.
Related:Behind the Scenes Exposé of the Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon Reveals A Nightmare Behind The Laughs
More Behind the Scenes Issues on The Tonight Show
Despite Fallon’s success, rumors of alcoholism have plagued him throughout his career and this was one of the issues noted in theRolling Stonereport. According to staffers, Fallon was erratic and his treatment of his team depended on his mood on any particular day. The report also cites multiple incidents where staff members believed Fallon was inebriated or hungover, and two employees reported separate instances where they believed they smelled alcohol on Fallon’s breath.
Aside from Fallon’s unpredictable behavior, staffers reported ongoing issues with show runners “who don’t know how to say no to Jimmy.” For emotional release, staffers would visit the guests' dressing rooms (which they coined “crying rooms”), but for some, the toll of working on the successful series led to severe emotional distress. Those interviewed reported several mental health struggles, with three saying they had suicidal ideations.
The Tonight Showis currently on hiatus due to the ongoing WGA strike, but Fallon met with his team via Zoom to apologize. Fallon maintained that he never mistreated anyone:
“I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. I never set out to create that type of atmosphere at the show. I think sometimes I’m working with the best of the best, you guys are the top of the game. There are things I’ve done in the past that are embarrassing but I never mistreated anybody. I want this show to be fun, it should be inclusive for everybody, it should be funny, it should be the best show, the best people. I just wanted to… say I miss you guys.”
Before the publication of Rolling Stone’s exposé,Fallon joined forces with fellow late show hostsStephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, John Oliver and Jimmy Kimmel for a podcast to benefit out-of-work staffers.
