Late-night TV host Jimmy Fallon is facing allegations of “erratic behavior” in a new report by Rolling Stone. According to the magazine, sixteen current and former staffers of “The Tonight Show” claim that the show has been a “toxic workplace” for years. Two current and fourteen former employees spoke to the publication anonymously, fearing retaliation.
The workers allege that Fallon is prone to “outbursts” and “erratic behavior” behind the scenes, leading to a high turnover rate of showrunners. They describe the job as a “dream job” that quickly turns into a “nightmare” when leadership cannot assert boundaries with the host.
“One former staffer stated, ‘Everybody walked on eggshells, especially showrunners. 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,'” according to Rolling Stone.
Rolling Stone emphasized the anonymity of the sources, highlighting that they spoke out of fear of retaliation.
Fallon did not provide any comment on the allegations for the Rolling Stone article. Currently, “The Tonight Show” is on hiatus due to an ongoing writers’ strike. Fallon’s most recent public appearance was when The Rolling Stones announced their first new album in 18 years on Wednesday.
In response to the allegations, NBC issued a statement expressing pride in “The Tonight Show” and its long history, dating back to 1954. The network claimed that providing a respectful working environment is a top priority and that any raised issues have been investigated and addressed accordingly. They also encouraged employees to report any behavior inconsistent with the network’s policies.
Jimmy Fallon, 48, is known for his Upstate NY roots and often references his hometown of Saugerties on TV. He is recognized for his musical talents, frequently performing songs on “Saturday Night Live” and collaborating with The Roots and celebrity guests. He recently performed at a pub in the Rochester area for St. Patrick’s Day.