Amid allegations of an unhealthy work environment, Tonight Show’s Jimmy Fallon took action. Addressing the concerns raised by 16 of his current and former employees, Fallon held a Zoom call to offer an apology.
During this call, as reported by Rolling Stone, Fallon demonstrated genuine remorse. He conveyed the depth of his regret for the situation that had occurred.
Employees have cited instances where Fallon’s mood changes led to an intense environment behind the scenes. One account from a former employee to Rolling Stone said, “If Jimmy is in a bad mood, everyone’s day is affected.”
In a notable detail, it was revealed that the show experienced a turnover of nine show-runners in just nine years, possibly indicating issues with the work atmosphere.
However, a person with close ties to the Tonight Show pointed out that many of the incidents being referred to were from the past and the current environment is far from that depiction. They added that corrective measures were taken for any past issues.
Shifting from “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” to “The Tonight Show” might have changed workplace dynamics. According to one former staffer, this transition brought about considerable pressure on everyone involved in the show’s production.
The implications of such an environment are stark. Several employees voiced concerns about their mental well-being, with some seeking therapy. Others shared health issues they felt were a direct result of workplace stress.
In 2015, the New York Post had previously raised concerns about Fallon’s drinking. Fallon addressed this in a 2017 New York Times interview, dismissing claims of drinking impacting his work.
Lastly, NBC, the broadcaster of The Tonight Show, shared their stance. They emphasized their dedication to maintaining a respectful workplace and encouraged employees to report any deviations they observed.
