Jerry Seinfeld Defends Jimmy Fallon Amid Toxic Workplace Claims: 'Twisting of Events'
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After Rolling Stone published an exposé about The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, with current and former staffers claiming that it "has been a toxic workplace for years," Jerry Seinfeld spoke out alleging that one included anecdote is wrong.
In the original article, staffers recount an alleged "uncomfortable" incident in which Jimmy Fallon publicly "scolded" a crew member. A former employee went on to claim, “It was very awkward, and Jerry [Seinfeld] was like, ‘You should apologize to him,’ almost trying to make it a joke."
They continued, "It was one of the strangest moments ever and so many people were there, so it’s kind of hard to forget.”
In response to the article, Seinfeld shared a statement with Rolling Stone in which he argued that the situation went very differently.
Seinfeld said of the moment, "This is so stupid. I remember this moment quite well… I teased Jimmy about a flub, and we all had a fun laugh about how rarely Jimmy is thrown off."
"It was not uncomfortable at all. Jimmy and I still occasionally recall it and laugh. Idiotic twisting of events," he concluded. Seinfeld has been on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon many times in the past.
The exposé included a variety of allegations against the show and its host. One former employee claimed of Fallon, "You never knew which Jimmy we were going to get and when he was going to throw a hissy fit."
NBC released a statement in response to the Rolling Stone article: "We are incredibly proud of The Tonight Show, and providing a respectful working environment is a top priority. As in any workplace, we have had employees raise issues; those have been investigated and action has been taken where appropriate."
The statement went on to encourage current staffers "who feel they have experienced or observed behavior inconsistent with our policies" to report it.
It's said Fallon also apologized to his staffers after the exposé's release. Per Deadline, the late night host told his staff, "I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. I never set out to create that type of atmosphere at the show. I think sometimes I’m working with the best of the best, you guys are the top of the game."
He reportedly then added, “I want this show to be fun, it should be inclusive for everybody, it should be funny, it should be the best show, the best people. I just wanted to… say I miss you guys.”
Next: What Is Going On With Jimmy Fallon at The Tonight Show? Inside the Allegations
