Jimmy Fallon says he's 'happy to be back' as 'Tonight Show' host avoids questions on 'toxic' work environment
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Jimmy Fallon was in town for the Broadway opening of ‘Gutenberg! The Musical!’
The ‘Tonight Show’ host shared that he was all excited to be back at the helm after a long gap due to writer’s strike.
“I miss interviewing everyone so much, I was just interviewing my wife for the last five months and she got bored of me so she’s so happy I’m out of the house,” Fallon told PageSix.
“The show is back, we’re back to telling monologue jokes, back to making people feel happy, I’m so thankful and happy to be back,” he said.
Jimmy Fallon avoids questions on 'toxic' work environment accusations
The 49-year-old was accused of a ‘toxic’ work environment on his show and criticized for not addressing the issue earlier.
The question was raised again on Thursday, October 12, over the bombshell Rolling Stone report.
In response, Jimmy just shrugged and reiterated, “Yeah, I’m happy to be back,” and went away.
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In the reports by the outlet, 'Tonight Show' staffers and 14 former employees claimed that Fallon created a “glum atmosphere” at the late-night show. He was also accused of ‘belittling and bullying’ people on his team.
However, many came to his rescue and defended the star host. One of them told Daily Mail, “I cannot say enough good things about him, about how he is an empathetic person, how he hears other people’s opinions [and] how he’s open to being flexible.”
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Jimmy Fallon reached out to his staffer and apologized
Rolling Stone in a follow-up report claimed that Fallon had apologized to his staff after the whirlwind article over a Zoom call.
“It’s embarrassing and I feel so bad,” he said, adding “Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends… I feel so bad I can’t even tell you.”
He further said, “[He didn’t intend to]create that type of atmosphere for the show.”
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“I want the show to be fun, [it] should be inclusive to everybody,” Fallon said, as per the outlet, adding “It should be the best show.”
Talking about the Broadway show opening, the ‘Fever Pitch star said, “I’m excited to see what they’re doing. They’re very talented and very funny and I need a good laugh right now.” The show features Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad.
Other celebrities in attendance at the musical included John Mulaney, Olivia Munn, Nathan Lane, Busy Philipps, Bryan Cranston, and co-star from ‘Breaking Bad’ Aaron Paul.
