Critics Label Jimmy Fallon as Weak Following his Interview of a Fox News Personality on his TV Program
In the world of late-night television, Jimmy Fallon has faced significant controversy following his interview with Fox News personality Greg Gutfeld on The Tonight Show. The interview, which took place in 2023, was marked by its friendly tone and avoidance of political discourse, focusing instead on personal anecdotes. However, many viewers were critical of Fallon for platforming Gutfeld, known for his controversial and divisive views on Fox News.
The reaction to the interview highlighted a broader tension for late-night talk show hosts. They risk backlash when providing a platform to divisive figures, yet face criticism from various sides depending on how they manage those appearances. Gutfeld himself expressed regret after the backlash, stating he did not intend to make anyone angry and would approach it differently in hindsight.
Meanwhile, former President Trump criticized Fallon for what he called "whimpering" attempts to distance himself from the controversy. In a twist of events, it was revealed that CBS' parent company Paramount had settled a lawsuit with Trump over his claim that CBS News' "60 Minutes" selectively edited an interview with 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
The controversy surrounding Fallon's interview with Gutfeld is not the first time the late-night host has been in the spotlight for questionable decisions. In 2016, Fallon sparked controversy when he hosted then-Republican candidate Donald Trump on the "Tonight Show". The playful interview, in which Fallon ruffled Trump's hair, bashed the media, and discussed his health and rising poll numbers, was controversial among those who opposed Trump.
More recently, in 2023, Fallon received criticism after former and current staffers at the "Tonight Show" told Rolling Stone that Fallon has shown up drunk to work and can be dismissive and mean to his employees. Trump has warned that other late-night hosts, including Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, are "next."
The future of The Tonight Show remains uncertain, as CBS announced last month that it was canceling "The Late Show", ending the decades-long "Late Show" franchise. As for Gutfeld, he continues to host "Gutfeld!" on Fox News.
The incident underscores the complex role late-night hosts play as cultural commentators: they risk backlash when providing a platform to divisive figures, yet face criticism from various sides depending on how they manage those appearances. Fallon’s experience illustrates the challenges of navigating political sensitivities while maintaining broad appeal, and the potential consequences for hosts perceived as avoiding substantive political engagement or appearing overly accommodating to controversial guests.
[1] TheWrap [2] The Hill [3] Rolling Stone
- TheWrap reported on Jimmy Fallon's controversy following his interview with Greg Gutfeld on The Tonight Show, discussing the complexities for late-night hosts in managing appearances of divisive figures.
- The Hill covered former President Trump's criticism of Fallon, following the interview with Gutfeld, and his claim that other late-night hosts, including Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, are "next."
- Rolling Stone detailed the criticism Fallon received after former and current staffers at the "Tonight Show" claimed he has shown up drunk to work and can be dismissive and mean to his employees.
- Environmental or pop-culture magazines might find it interesting that the incident involving Fallon with Gutfeld highlights the challenges of late-night hosts in culture commentary, particularly balancing political sensitivities and maintaining broad appeal.
