Here's What Jimmy Fallon Had To Say In His First "Tonight Show" Since Toxic Workplace Allegations Emerged And The Writers' Strike Ended
“I had a lot of time, five months, a lot of time to really just sit and think. And I finally just took a moment and realized how grateful I am for all of this and for this show."
As you likely know, when the Writers Guild Strike began in MayThe Tonight Show immediately went on hiatus. As a deal was reached with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers last week, The Tonight Show — along with other late-night and talk shows — came speeding back.
However, the strike was not the full extent of Fallon's troubles amid this hiatus. Last month, a Rolling Stone report accused him of creating a toxic work environment and hangover-fueled erratic behavior towards staff.
While Fallon did not comment on the allegations directly, he reportedly addressed staff in a Zoom call following the news. “It’s embarrassing and I feel so bad,” he apparently said. “Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends… I feel so bad I can’t even tell you.”
While Fallon has yet to address the allegations head-on, he did appear pensive in his first show after five months.
“I had a lot of time, five months, a lot of time to really just sit and think. And I finally just took a moment and realized how grateful I am for all of this and for this show," he began.
“I really love this job, I love doing it, I love telling jokes, I love interviewing people, I love making you laugh. I’m very lucky to have this show, and I want to thank you all for supporting and choosing to have me in your bedrooms at nighttime," he added with a chuckle.
“This is what I love to do, and I want to do it for a long time. I’m so happy to be back. Thank you to our crew, our staff — our writers are now back in the building and we're going to make some fun shows," Fallon concluded.
