An investigation conducted by Rolling Stone has shed light on the less-than-ideal working conditions at The Tonight Show, helmed by the renowned comedian Jimmy Fallon.
The article features interviews with two current and 14 former employees, who collectively describe a toxic environment rife with abuse, tension, and uncertainty, all stemming from Fallon's erratic behavior.
According to one former employee, "It was like, if Jimmy is in a bad mood, everyone's day is f*cked." The comedian's volatile temperament had a profound impact on the workplace dynamics, stifling any sense of camaraderie or lightheartedness. Employees were discouraged from joking around or engaging in casual conversations, as Fallon's foul mood could trigger explosive outbursts.
Fallon's behavior extended beyond mere outbursts, as he frequently berated his staff. In a notable incident in 2014, he scolded a crew member responsible for holding his cue cards during a live taping, prompting guest Jerry Seinfeld to intervene and demand an apology.
Fallon's notes to his writing staff went beyond constructive criticism, delving into personal matters. He would question their well-being with comments like, "Are you OK? Seriously, do you need help?" and express disappointment with remarks such as, "Ugh, lame. What is going on with you? You've outdone yourself."
Numerous anonymous employees also fueled rumors of Fallon being intoxicated while on the job. They claimed to have witnessed him inebriated or detected the smell of alcohol on his breath. Furthermore, his mood seemed to correlate with whether or not he appeared hungover from the previous night.
The persistently low staff morale took a toll on the mental health of many employees, with some even contemplating suicide. Joking about "wanting to kill themselves" became commonplace in the office, but for some, it was a reflection of their genuine despair. As one former employee candidly admitted, "Mentally, I was in the lowest place of my life. I didn't want to live anymore."
Since Fallon assumed the role of host of The Tonight Show in 2014, the series has witnessed a revolving door of nine different showrunners. Each showrunner appeared unwilling to challenge Fallon or hold him accountable for his behavior. In 2022, Jamie Granet-Bederman took over the position and reportedly engaged in bullying and mistreatment of staff.
She frequently made derogatory comments about employees' physical appearances, including questioning the hairstyle of a Black employee. Despite multiple HR complaints, no action was taken to address Granet-Bederman's conduct. In fact, Rolling Stone uncovered an email from the HR representative that denigrated an employee who had filed a complaint.
The expos by Rolling Stone did not yield any positive testimonials or expressions of support for Fallon. The reporter, Krystie Lee Yandoli, reached out to approximately 80 former and current employees of The Tonight Show, including all nine showrunners, but none were willing to go on record or speak favorably about their experiences working on the show.
Login