Jimmy Fallon is facing workplace toxicity allegations from some of his current and former employees. Fallon is one of the most beloved comedians and late-night television show hosts worldwide. Thanks to his amiable character and incredible way of hosting The Tonight Show, he has endeared himself to many fans worldwide. However, all that could be threatened following scathing revelations from some of Fallon’s past and present The Tonight Show employees. According to reports, fear and anxiety dominate behind the scenes of the late-night show; and it’s all due to Fallon’s attitude.
What Did the Tonight Show Employees Say About Jimmy Fallon’s Workplace Toxicity?
Several former and current The Tonight Show employees spoke to Rolling Stone under anonymity and unearthed some negative behavior Fallon exhibits. Fourteen past employees and two current employees of the show revealed that Fallon behaved erratically at work. Additionally, they said his manner of interacting with other bosses made them feel intimidated and belittled. The disgruntled employees gave examples of Jimmy Fallon’s workplace toxicity. This included his outbursts toward workers, which often resulted in a “pretty glum atmosphere.”
The workers also revealed that Fallon exhibited unexpected mood swings. A former The Tonight Show employee explained:
“It was like, if Jimmy is in a bad mood, everyone’s day is f**ked.”Â
The former employee further explained that such mood swings meant that no one dared to joke around in the office nor stood around to talk to themselves. They added:
“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.”
Rolling Stone approached over 50 past and present The Tonight Show employees. However, while most of them hailed Fallon’s ability to crack a joke, none of them said a good thing about the work environment. Meanwhile, the 16 who revealed details of Jimmy Fallon’s workplace toxicity worked in different roles.
More Allegations
Many of the staffers also revealed that Jimmy Fallon’s alleged workplace toxicity affected their mental health and forced them to leave. Others claimed they were fired, adding that they went to guest rooms reportedly referred to as “crying rooms” to let out their emotions when it became too hard to bear. Another former employee said no one could talk to Fallon as everyone, especially showrunners, walked on eggshells. They added:
“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.”
Fallon previously faced concerns over his behavior and was accused of excessive drinking in 2015. However, he denied the allegations in a 2017 interview. Yet, two of the employees spoken to claimed that they saw him working under the influence of alcohol in 2017. Two others also claimed they smelled alcohol under Fallon’s breath in 2019 and 2020, while eight others said his energy and attitude could be attributed to him being hung over.
Jimmy Fallon’s Workplace Toxicity Happened in the Past
While the revelations about Jimmy Fallon’s workplace toxicity are shocking, an insider who spoke to Daily Mail said the events happened many years ago. The source said:
“The things being reported in this article happened years ago and just aren’t reflective of the atmosphere today.”
The insider further said that it is undeniable that issues bordering on Jimmy Fallon’s workplace toxicity happened in the past. However, they emphasized that the past issues had been dealt with, and everyone had moved on afterward. They added:
“A lot of these are old anecdotes that have already been reported and it’s unclear to everyone why they’re being brought up again years later. So many current staff members have positive things to say about the show but they aren’t being given a chance. This isn’t who Jimmy is and this isn’t in any way what the show is like today.”
Jimmy Fallon has yet to respond to the workplace toxicity allegations against him. However, the report is sure to stir several reactions in the coming days and months.
