LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jerry Seinfeld has slammed Rolling Stone magazine for its article that accuses Jimmy Fallon of creating a “toxic workplace” at 'The Tonight Show'.
The comedian said the magazine in its story twisted a harmless incident that happened when he was a guest on the show.
Has Jimmy Fallon created a toxic work environment on 'The Tonight Show'?
The story, published on Thursday, quoted two current and 14 former staffers who alleged that Fallon, 48, was a bad boss who mistreated his employees with his erratic and moody behaviour.
They alleged Fallon’s workplace conduct has changed since he moved from 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon' to 'The Tonight Show' in 2014.
The report also alleged that Fallon has unpredictable mood swings. “It was like, if Jimmy is in a bad mood, everyone’s day is f*****", the report quoted one of the staffers.
The report mentioned that due to this they got anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
Staffer allege Jimmy Fallon scolded crew when Jerry Seinfeld was on the show
The report quoting a staffer mentioned that Fallon “scolded” a crew member who made a mistake during a segment with Seinfeld, 69.
The sources claimed that Seinfeld told Fallon to apologize to the worker and that Fallon did so reluctantly.
“It was very awkward, and Jerry [Seinfeld] was like, ‘You should apologize to him,’ almost trying to make it a joke,” one of them said.
“It was one of the strangest moments ever and so many people were there, so it’s kind of hard to forget.”
What did Jerry Seinfeld say about the incident?
Even as the publication reported that it repeatedly contacted Seinfeld for his version, he didn't respond.
After the story was published he sent a statement to Rolling Stone. Seinfeld in the statement denied that the incident was uncomfortable or serious. “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," he said.
"It was not uncomfortable at all. Jimmy and I still occasionally recall it and laugh. Idiotic twisting of events," he said.
Jimmy Fallon very 'engaged' with staff
A source close to 'The Tonight Show' told New York Post that the story was inaccurate and that the work environment has improved since new showrunner Chris Miller joined last May.
Another producer said that Fallon is very “engaged” with the staff and that “there’s a new wave that came in a year and a half ago and has just made everything change.”
The article also mentioned Fallon’s past issues with drinking and partying.
Reportedly NBC executives had warned Fallon to cut back on the alcohol, fearing that “he was out of control and something could happen while he’s out drinking.”
