Jimmy Fallon’s ‘out-of-control’ drinking had NBC bosses worried that ‘something bad will happen’ after a string of incidents – including one where he nearly severed his finger in horrific accident
He is one of the favorite TV talk show hosts, known for his popular celebrity segments and making the audience laugh.
But behind the scenes, NBC executives on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon were once concerned about the host’s “out of control” drinking.
Sources close to the show were concerned that “something bad is going to happen” after a series of incidents – including one where he nearly cut off his finger in a horrific accident.
Now he faces serious accusations from colleagues who claim his “erratic” behavior creates a toxic work environment – though a source close says these are historic and “everyone has moved on.”
Some of the key issues raised in a scorching Rolling Stone piece are said to have taken place between 2015 and 2020 — around the same time Fallon was making headlines for his partying habits.
“It was like if Jimmy is in a bad mood, everyone’s day is ruined,” says a former employee
- Claims came from 16 current and former employees about a series of problems on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
- They claim the star’s ‘hissing fits’ forced them to sob in ‘crying rooms’, made their hair fall out and provoked suicidal thoughts
- Concerns claim star’s ‘erratic’ behavior and ‘outbursts’ have created an ugly behind-the-scenes environment
- It is alleged that Fallon’s “outbursts” and inconsistent mood swings trickle down to other bosses, including rotating showrunners who spent nine years at the helm
- An NBC spokesperson said the network is “incredibly proud” of the show, but acknowledged that “employees have raised issues”
In October 2015, the NY Post published a story citing sources claiming that NBC was concerned that his drinking had become “excessive” after he fell and dropped a bottle of Jägermeister while receiving Harvard Lampoon’s Elmer Award for Excellence in Humor.
“There were pools of blood everywhere,” he said when he told his studio audience about the incident once he recovered, while putting on Sesame Street Band-Aids.
At the time, the publication claimed sources were “concerned that Fallon’s drinking” had become “excessive.”
It was the comedian’s third injury in several months, after nearly cutting his finger a few months earlier in June.
Fallon spent 10 days in intensive care after his wedding ring caught on the counter when he tripped over a rug. He needed six hours of surgery to repair his hand.
‘Striggled and fell on (good thing)!’ he tweeted that day. “The ring stuck to the side of the table almost ripped my finger off (bad thing).”
Two months later, he chipped his front tooth trying to open a jar of scar tissue healing gel for his finger.
Fallon later countered that there were problems with his social life, telling the New York Times in 2017, “I could never do a day job if I drank every night. That’s just a kick when you’re down.’
But two employees told Rolling Stone that they had seen him at work under the influence during this time.
Another two workers thought they smelled alcohol on his breath when he entered an elevator with them during the day on several occasions in 2019 and 2020.
Eight other employees told the publication that his energy and attitude would depend if he was hungover.
It was also alleged that Fallon’s inconsistent behavior, including “outbursts” towards employees, would be the starting point for a “pretty gloomy atmosphere.”
“It was like if Jimmy is in a bad mood, everyone’s day is ruined,” says a former employee.
“People weren’t joking in the office, and they weren’t talking to each other. It was a lot like, concentrate on whatever you have to do, because Jimmy’s in a bad mood, and if he sees that, he might fly off.”
Fallon was seen in London on September 6, just days before the allegations came to light
A Rolling Stone investigation by Krystie Lee Yandoli exposed the claims against Fallon and The Tonight Show
The talk show host is known for his hilarious on-screen anecdotes, but behind the scenes, concerns have been raised about Fallon’s “erratic” behavior at work
A source close to the Tonight Show said that while there have been issues in the past, the allegations are historic and changes have been made.
told DailyMail.com, “The things reported in this article happened years ago and just don’t reflect the mood of today.
“No one denies that things happened in the past, but all the previous issues have been resolved and everyone has moved on since then.
Many of these are old anecdotes that have already been told and it is unclear to anyone why they are brought up again years later.
“So many current employees have positive things to say about the show, but don’t get a chance.
“This is not who Jimmy is and in no way is this what the show is like today.”
While The Tonight Show, produced by Universal Television, Broadway Video and Electric Hot Dog – Fallon’s production company, is currently on hold due to the writers’ strike, it was extended by NBC until 2026.
In a statement, an NBC spokesperson said The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon is no different than anywhere else.
“We are incredibly proud of The Tonight Show and providing a respectful work environment is a top priority,” the spokesperson said.
“As in any workplace, we had employees raise issues; these have been investigated and measures have been taken where necessary.
“As always, we encourage employees who feel they have experienced or observed behavior that violates our policies to report their concerns so that we can address them accordingly.”