Jimmy Fallon is finding himself in hot water after several members of his staff claim he creates a toxic workplace with his behavior. “The Tonight Show” host has 16 current and former staff members come out with allegations of “erratic” behavior. Fallon has become known for his infectious laugh and ability to create hilarious scenes. However, when the cameras stop rolling, things are allegedly much different.
Rolling Stone reports that over a dozen of Fallon’s former and current employees have spoken out about his behavior on set. Some claim that the former “Saturday Night Live” star abuses alcohol at work. One staffer even shared a story of at time when Fallon crossed off a joke from a paper, and then immediately got confused.
Former employees describe The Tonight Show as a “pretty glum atmosphere,” with some alleging they were belittled and intimidated by their bosses, including Jimmy Fallon himself.
"Mentally, I was in the lowest place of my life," a former employee said.https://t.co/bdRUX5zBBA
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) September 7, 2023
Jimmy Fallon allegations make fans question the talk show host’s future
“He couldn’t remember he had just crossed it out himself […] I was like, ‘Oh, my God, he [seems] drunk. He doesn’t know what he’s doing. This could be awful — this could be the end of the show right here,’” the insider said.
Sources claim that staffers never know what mood Jimmy Fallon will be in on a given day. Sometimes he’s the charming and funny host that he portrays on television. Other days he’s allegedly toxic and suspected of being hungover or drinking on the job. “Everybody walked on eggshells, especially showrunners,” a former employee told the outlet. “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.”
The report claims that Jerry Seinfeld even once saw Fallon criticizing an employee who was working with cue cards. Seinfeld allegedly confronted Fallon and told him he should apologize to the staffer.
The Tonight Show now has a new showrunner
The allegations against Jimmy Fallon come at a time when “The Tonight Show” is currently on hiatus due to the writer and actors strikes in Hollywood. However, some are speculating that Fallon’s behavior and the staffers going public could cause a huge issue for the late-night talk show. It’s not likely that the iconic show would be canceled due to its rich and beloved history. However, it is always possible that Fallon could be replaced as host.
Meanwhile, sources tell the NY Post that the work environment has improved as of late thanks to new showrunner Chris Miller. “He’s brought a renewed enthusiasm and positive energy to the show. Chris prides himself on being available to the staff and a transparent leader. He’s exactly what the show needed.”
Currently, Jimmy Fallon is staying quiet about the toxic workplace allegations.
Image Credits: YouTube.
Joshua Dale