US talk show host Jimmy Fallon accused of creating 'toxic' workplace

NEW YORK - Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC's flagship "Tonight Show," has apologized to staff after employees accused him of creating a "toxic workplace," according to a report in Rolling Stone magazine.

The music and culture magazine said Fallon, a comedian and one of the stars of US late-night TV, had been accused by two current employees and 14 former "Tonight Show" workers of "erratic behavior" with some saying the show had been "a toxic workplace for years."

One unnamed person interviewed by Rolling Stone said Fallon, 48, would "snap at crew members, express irritation over the smallest of things, and berate and belittle staffers out of frustration."

The magazine report, published Thursday, said "Tonight Show" employees had complained about the psychological impact of his behavior -- with some referring to dressing rooms as "crying rooms" -- and reported their complaints to the human resources department at NBC.

Rolling Stone said Fallon and showrunner Chris Miller called a virtual meeting in which the talk show host apologized and expressed his remorse.

"Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends... I feel so bad I can't even tell you," he said, according to the report.

"It's embarrassing, and I feel so bad," he 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," he was reported as saying.

Fallon was in London this week interviewing Rolling Stones stars Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood in front of the press at a London concert hall for the presentation of their new album.

Fallon took over in 2014 from Jay Leno, who hosted the "Tonight Show" for more than two decades. — Agence France-Presse