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Topics: Jimmy Fallon, Celebrity, Film and TV
Stewart Perrie
Topics: Jimmy Fallon, Celebrity, Film and TV
Jimmy Fallon has responded to accusations that he created a 'nightmare' workplace environment on The Tonight Show.
Fallon has built a reputation for being a funny, talented, dedicated and entertaining TV host.
He's led the show for nearly a decade and it seems like celebrities and fans adore him.
However, it seems like things are a little different behind the scenes of the hit television series.
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Several current and former staffers have told Rolling Stone that the work environment is often directly dependent on Fallon's mood on any given day.
One former employee said: “It was like, if Jimmy is in a bad mood, everyone’s day is f**ked. People wouldn’t joke around in the office, and they wouldn’t stand around and talk to each other.
"It was very much like, focus on whatever it is that you have to do because Jimmy’s in a bad mood, and if he sees that, he might fly off.”
Another described how his alleged behaviour had led people to feel nervous.
They said: “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.”
Former employees have also accused Fallon of snapping rudely, belittling crew members, and becoming irritated over small things.
Some alleged the TV host would have alcohol on his breath and stated the work environment was so hectic that they considered suicide.
Fallon has now reportedly responded to the accusations and pulled Tonight Show staff into a meeting.
One of the workers has told Rolling Stone that Fallon seemed very apologetic.
He allegedly told them: "It’s embarrassing and I feel so bad. Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends...I feel so bad I can’t even tell you.
“I want the show to be fun, [it] should be inclusive to everybody. It should be the best show.”
Fallon also mentioned how new showrunner Chris Miller has helped the situation because he's a 'great leader'.
A spokesperson for The Tonight Show agreed with that sentiment.
They said: “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.”
NBC hasn't responded to the allegations against Fallon however the network did defend the programme.
“We are incredibly proud of The Tonight Show, and providing a respectful working environment is a top priority,” the spokesperson said.
“As in any workplace, we have had employees raise issues; those have been investigated and action has been taken where appropriate."
NBC has encouraged any staffer to report their issues if they face them in the future.
UNILAD has reached out to representatives of Jimmy Fallon for comment.