8th September 2023, Mumbai: Jimmy Fallon, the charismatic host of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, is currently facing allegations of fostering a challenging work environment behind the scenes of his show. Both current and former employees have come forward with concerns about the show’s workplace culture.
“good Jimmy days” and “bad Jimmy days.”
While Fallon is widely known for his warm and humorous on-screen persona, insiders have indicated that there is a noticeable difference in his behavior off-camera. Employees have described experiencing “good Jimmy days” and “bad Jimmy days.” One particularly tense day in 2017 raised concerns among the crew when Fallon appeared confused during rehearsal, even crossing out jokes on a cue card and subsequently seeming to forget that he had done so.
Complaints about the challenging work atmosphere extend beyond Fallon’s behavior.
An employee recalled the situation, saying, “It was like, ‘Oh, my God, he [seems] drunk. He doesn’t know what he’s doing. This could be problematic.” Complaints about the challenging work atmosphere extend beyond Fallon’s behavior. Multiple showrunners in recent years have reportedly struggled to provide stability and manage his unpredictable actions. This has created a tense atmosphere where some employees felt belittled and intimidated.
employees have revealed that their mental health suffered
Seven former employees have revealed that their mental health suffered during their time on the show, with references to thoughts of self-harm and dark humor about “wanting to kill themselves” being concerning aspects of the workplace culture. For many former staffers, the dream job of working in late-night television turned into a challenging and mentally taxing experience. Despite numerous HR complaints, issues persisted, leading to a troubling atmosphere of fear and anxiety among the crew.
Fallon’s behavior in relation to alcohol.
Rolling Stone conducted an investigation, reaching out to over 80 current and former employees, which further raised concerns about Fallon’s behavior in relation to alcohol. While he publicly denied having a drinking problem, employees claim to have witnessed signs of inebriation during work hours. Notably, despite Fallon’s undeniable talent and comedic gifts, none of the show’s nine showrunners since 2014 have publicly commented on his behavior, raising further concerns.
Fallon and NBC did not provide on-the-record responses
Representatives for Fallon and NBC did not provide on-the-record responses, but an NBC spokesperson defended the show and emphasized the network’s commitment to maintaining a respectful working environment. Jimmy Fallon’s rise to stardom is undeniable, having taken over The Tonight Show from Jay Leno in 2014 and garnering an initial audience of 11.3 million viewers. Over the years, the show has experienced numerous successes and viral moments, earning Fallon a global fan base.
However, the behind-the-scenes issues, revolving door of showrunners, and allegations of a challenging work environment have cast a shadow over the show’s success. Employees are hoping for lasting changes and for Fallon and NBC to take their concerns seriously. They fear that the future of The Tonight Show may remain uncertain if improvements are not implemented.
By Yashika Desai