Multiple current and former workers of the Jimmy Fallon’s ‘Tonight Show’ say that their mental health has been affected by his capricious and unstable direction of the program.
Rolling Stone published an article on Sept 7, where they reported up to 16 ex-workers and current employees of the show relay some of the episodes they have experienced while working for Jimmy Fallon at the show.
In some of the narrations, they accuse Fallon of being drunk while rehearsing before a show which lead to some co-workers to think that maybe he wasn’t the right man for the job.
According to some, Fallon had ‘’bad days’’ more often than not, and with consequences for everyone around him. It seemed, by how some employees said, that if Fallon was having a bad day, there was no room for jokes or fun, but rather tension and fear of losing the position that they had worked so hard to achieve.
Employees revealed nightmares, anxiety attacks, physical health problems, therapy and even suicidal ideation as consequences of the stressful work environment. Despite the challenges, Fallon initially gained popularity for his affable and comedic persona on television, but the article sheds light on a troubling behind-the-scenes reality.
NBC defended the show’s working environment but did not directly address Fallon’s behavior.
In the world of late-night television, Jimmy Fallon has remained a beloved figure onscreen, captivating audiences with his affable charm and comedic talent. However, the Rolling Stone investigation has peeled back the curtain, revealing a darker reality behind the laughter.
As Fallon himself expressed regret and embarrassment, it remains to be seen whether the show can undergo a transformation and restore its reputation.
