Jimmy Fallon is “relying on celebrity friends like Justin Timberlake to show up for him” after being accused of “toxic” behavior
JIMMY Fallon is counting on the support of his top friends and talk show colleagues following his toxic workplace scandal, The US Sun has reported.
The 48-year-old TV presenter has been under fire for a year Bomb report claimed employees went through hell working under him on NBC’s “The Tonight Show.”
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More than a dozen former employees and two current employees painted an alarming picture of life under Fallon’s leadership — telling Rolling Stone that his “hissy fits” left them in tears, caused hair loss and even caused some to contemplate suicide.
The revelations have brought new scrutiny to conditions at top shows and the alleged failure of big bosses like Fallon – and others including Ellen DeGeneres and James Corden – to keep subordinates under their watch happy.
Many are wondering whether the SNL alum’s job could be in jeopardy, especially because NBC released a statement following the scandal encouraging any disgruntled employees to file complaints.
But other insiders have since spoken out to defend Fallon, who is known to be an extremely gregarious character and counts a slew of superstars among his close personal friends.
A source close to the father-of-two told The US Sun that Jimmy would have to act quickly once his show was back on air after the ongoing double strike by Hollywood writers and actors was resolved.
The insider said: “Because Jimmy has a esteemed reputation as a nice guy, he has to rely on his 25 years of celebrity friends, from Justin Timberlake to Mick Jagger, Adam Sandler and Gisele Bundchen to Steve Martin and Sir Paul McCartney to pick him out this hole.
“His address book is basically the only weapon he has to win back the fans who complain about the details in the Rolling Stone report.”
“There just aren’t many other cards Jimmy can play – he’s taken advantage of them all during the pandemic, like showing his house or featuring his wife and kids on the show.
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“Those tricks won’t work anymore, but what will work is a good old-fashioned co-signer and the bigger legend he can book for that, the better.
“There is no question that Jimmy will have to send his closest celebrity friends for extended interviews and appearances once the strikes end.
“His entire image needs intensive care and this is the only step left for him.”
WITH A ROLLING STONE
The Tonight Show host’s response to the strikes so far has been to team up with fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, John Oliver, Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert for a podcast.
Shortly before the scandal broke, Fallon – known as one of the most sociable and popular celebrity cheerleaders – shared a photo of himself with Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger on Instagram.
In retrospect, the article could have been a dig at the report that Rolling Stone was supposed to publish.
“Big news day in Hackney,” he joked in a caption showing him reading a local paper in a London pub with the Jumpin’ Jack Flash star.
The US Sun insider said despite the need to get things back on track, Fallon’s career was unlikely to be ended by the allegations.
The source explained: “Jimmy hasn’t actually done anything to warrant his dismissal other than running a high-pressure workplace.
“You can definitely argue that any show that makes movies in this building — Saturday Night Live, Seth Myers, even Dateline NBC — there’s a similar level of pressure because these guys all have to pump out a ton of TV every week, and that’s not it the case simple.
“Among Jimmy’s friends who are also late-night hosts, like Stephen Colbert and John Oliver, they understand that all these shows are a pressure cooker – they don’t put pressure on Jimmy because they’ve been there themselves.”
Fallon has not publicly commented on Rolling Stone’s report, but the outlet reported that he apologized to the Tonight Show staff.
He reportedly said in a Zoom meeting with all participants: “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends.
“I feel so bad I can’t even tell you.”
NBC said in a statement: “We are incredibly proud of The Tonight Show and providing a respectful work environment is a top priority.”
“Like any workplace, we had employees who raised issues; These were investigated and, if necessary, action was taken.”
“As always, we encourage employees who feel they have experienced or observed behavior that is inconsistent with our policies to report their concerns so we can address them appropriately.”
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