Tonight Show: Host Apologises Over Toxic Workplace Claims

Jimmy Fallon has apologized to the staff at NBC’s Tonight Show following allegations that he had created a “toxic” work environment.

“I feel so bad I can’t even tell you,” the celebrity host told staff.

This follows an investigation by Rolling Stone magazine which exposed damaging allegations from 16 of the US TV show’s current and former staff. They told Rolling Stone that for years they felt belittled and intimidated and suffered declining mental health.

They described Fallon’s behavior as “erratic” – depending on whether he was having a “good Jimmy day” or a “bad Jimmy day, saying they were subjected to angry “outbursts”.

According to BBC, Rolling Stone’s investigation reveals that the guests’ dressing rooms were referred to as “crying rooms”.All of the current and former staff who spoke to Rolling Stone requested anonymity “out of fear of retaliation”.

In a statement, a spokesperson for NBC wrote: “We are incredibly proud of The Tonight Show, and providing a respectful working environment is a top priority… As in any workplace, we have had employees raise issues; those have been investigated and action has been taken where appropriate.”

After the Rolling Stone investigation, Fallon reportedly told the show’s staff: “It’s embarrassing and I feel so bad. Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends.”

However, some current employees of the show have come to Fallon’s defense.

He makes a point of commending you when you do a great job and when he’s happy,” said the employee, who also requested to remain anonymous. “I’ve never been belittled, yelled at, nothing like that.”

The Tonight Show has had nine different showrunners – top-level TV producers – since Fallon took over as the show’s host in 2014. Before The Tonight Show, Fallon built his buzz in comedy as the host of NBC’s Late Night  With Jimmy Fallon.