Jimmy Fallon has used television as a platform to discuss various current events over the years. Recently, Fallon used the Tonight Show to pay tribute in light of a recent tragedy. However, the tribute ended up sparking controversy on social media.
Jimmy Fallon Recently Made An Emotional Share On The Tonight Show
Fallon has had many roles in television. Introduced to many as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, he previously served as the host of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon from 2009 to 2014.
Since 2014, Fallon has also been the host of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. This served as the seventh incarnation of the Tonight Show franchise.
On Monday, December 15, Fallon recently addressed the double murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. As previously reported, the two were found dead and with stab wounds in their Brentwood home; their son Nick was later arrested in connection with their deaths.
At the time, he noted that Rob “was a frequent guest on the show.” He also described him as one of the “funniest” and “smartest” people he’s ever met throughout his career.
Fallon continued, offering anecdotes about Reiner. He teased, “Everyone here would line up around his dressing room and say ‘hi’ or tell him something that they loved.”
This Comes Out After President Donald Trump Made A Statement Concerning Reiner On Truth Social
The host continued, highlighting Reiner’s career. He shared, “What he’s given to the world through his art. From All in the Family to going into directing great movies like Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men, When Harry Met Sally, Spinal Tap, producing Seinfeld. Everyone felt like they had a personal connection to Rob Reiner and his work.”
Fallon’s comments sparked some criticism online. This was because he didn’t address comments made by President Donald Trump concerning Reiner’s death on Truth Social.
Taking to Truth Social, the president wrote that the Reiners were killed “reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.” According to ABC News, Trump stood by the comments when asked about it on Monday, reportedly sharing, “Well, I wasn’t a fan of his at all. He was a deranged person as far as Trump is concerned.”
Some Commenters Were Also Concerned That Fallon’s Comments Could Have ‘Downplayed’ The Tragedy
Taking to the comments, many took issue with Fallon not mentioning the president’s comments. Some also highlighted other similar figures, such as Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers, who did address the comments.
Others took issue with Fallon not addressing the nature of the Reiners’ death. This led to some accusing him of downplaying what happened.
On the other hand, others came to Fallon’s defense, saying that he wanted to take the moment to honor Reiner’s life. Some comments included:
- “Weak Jimmy. No mention of POS trumps comments and condemnation of those?? U need to get a little bit more of a backbone. Don’t ride the fence. Rob wouldn’t.”
- “To not call Trump out about his atrocious comments and complete hypocrisy in degrading a person who is viciously murdered in their own home? I think Rob would have spoken up about this. So sad that Jimmy gave Trump a pass.”
- “Thanks, Jimmy, for celebrating this legend.”
- “This is a heartfelt and respectful tribute to one of entertainment’s great people. Thank you, Jimmy.”
- “It’s disappointing that you aren’t defending him the way Seth Meyers did.”
- “Very touching tribute jimmy God bless your soul RIP Reiner he will be missed, but his amazing legacy as entertainer [won’t] be forgotten.”
- “The passing? You mean the insane slaughter.”
Did you also watch this recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon? What is your reaction to this recent conversation? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.
