Jimmy Fallon, Lizzo, & The Downfall of Toxic Media Workplaces | Controversy Explained

WATCH MORE - There's toxic bosses and then there's toxic... husbands. Here's our TAKE on the fake "wife guy": https://youtu.be/iZnm5-brbhs

It’s not sustainable or realistic to portray a “lovable” celebrity all the time. We need to stop placing celebs on pedestals

It's almost as if all workplaces need democratic unions to deal with the huge power imbalance between employers and employees.

The attitude of "You should be grateful, there are thousands of people waiting to take your place" is sadly rampant in the entertainment industry.

The first job I ever had was as a server at Steak 'n Shake from ages 16-22. It was the most abusive job I've ever endured, and I've never worked in a restaurant since. Ten years later, I still feel like I haven't fully recovered from it. Jobs are a massive part of our lives, and these kinds of workplaces really negatively affect people. I could relate to the poor person who said they thought about taking their life.

I always liked Conan because he felt relatable not because he was always nice but because he seemed a little nuts and wasn’t afraid to let the uglier parts of himself become part of his persona. Though it seems he knows how to keep that in check and treat his employees well when it counts. He has people on his team who have worked with him for decades, Fallon couldn’t keep a show runner for more than a few years.

Christina Ricci really did say it best (though it was in the case of Danny Masterson) when she simply said, 'Awesome guys can be predators and abusers too.' Now, obviously, workplace toxicity and se×ual assault are two very different ballparks, but they do share common traits in regard to intimidation, isolation, gaslighting, and victim blaming. I believe that in a lot of ways, Ellen, Lizzo, Jimmy, and other such media personalities like them are probably genuinely likeable in many ways. But the idea that they are absolute angels without wings---- especially in an industry that is known for ruthlessness and hustle culture in order to, not just succeed, but to then maintain your success at the top---- is an complete fantasy. Surely, such sustained, prolonged and internalized stress that is a byproduct from that kind of 'work ethic' has got to chip at your soul and literally warp your brain.... Im just grateful that those employees didnt drink the koolaid and found the courage to speak out 💖

The graphic (and the actual study) said 75% of the workers that did actively speak out faced retaliation, but the VO stated that 75% of workplace harassment incidents go unreported. That's a significant difference.

It's somewhat puzzling that so many people don't differentiate between advocacy for justice and advocacy for oneself. Just because a woman is fighting to break barriers doesn't mean she's fighting for all women - sometimes she's just fighting for herself. Lizzo bodyshaming people is a prime example, but also the whole girlboss, liberal feminism idea. If you're not trying to challenge the structures that enable women's (or any vulnerable group's) oppression, but merely want a place on top with the men, then you're not a feminist, you're just a very ambitious opportunist.

We had a problem with a manager at our job. There was a high overturn rate. She was rude to everyone. The only way she left was after a few of the assistant managers decided not to work with her anymore. If no one showed up who was going to get stuff done. It wasn't quite a coordinated effort but it got the job done. Now we have a better work environment and a lot more people are sticking around instead of leaving.

I hate it when bosses/businesses/offices deny the allegations and chalk it up to lies from a "disgruntled employee," as if anyone who ever had any complaint against the business MUST be lying. Like no, you gave us plenty of reasons to be disgruntled. That's why we are complaining. Just because an employee is disgruntled, that doesn't mean they're lying.

In terms of a behind the scenes team the did it right and dealt with an issue like this in the correct way look to The Try Guys. When Ned was exposed and the incident happened they didn't cover it up or try and sweep it under the carpet or pump out the PR machine to save their own asses. Nope they got Ned out of the company, addressed the issue directly and said that it was a bad thing that they did not condone and won't condone. They knew the image they had built up and that what Ned did didn't align with that so they removed the source of the issue and found a new way to carry on. I admire that because it shows that integrity is at their core. They knew the responsibility they have towards their fans and knew that there were expectations from them so they took the matter seriously and took the appropriate actions. I feel many of these other media work places could learn a lesson or two from The Try Guys and how they dealt with the Ned situation.

That feeling of "am I going crazy?" is all too real...the toxic work environment messes with our perception of what is acceptable and not acceptable when it comes to our boundaries...

How is anyone surprised by this? Did people not notice how easily he got annoyed by guests, even for a moment before he managed to disguise his reaction? Or his horribly awkward quarantine episodes where you could see his children being terrified of him?

I do hate it in films and tv when bosses bully their employees and we’re supposed to forgive them and route for them because they show a softer side or are nice to the main character, without ever taking responsibility for their terrible past actions Examples of this Late Night, Devil Wears Prada, Supergirl, House, Anchorman, Violet Crawley

“Always try to be nice, but never fail to be kind.”

For 3 years I worked in a place with a super toxic work environment. It started from the top. When I put my foot down, my work days were made a living hell and I was the one reprimanded when I reported on my co-worker, a friend of the higher ups, who was doing extremely questionable things with the young children in our care. Once I left, it was like a breath of fresh air. I realized now, years later, that I have trauma left over from that time and I'm now seeking therapy to work it out. I sometimes still here the horror stories from my people who still work there and I'm shock with how little can be done when the power vacuum is so small. If you're working in a toxic work environment, I hope you can choose to leave and find a different job. Your mental health and well-being deserve better!

I don't know why people are so surprised when their tv persona does not match their real personality. These people are acting, they are at work and presenting the right image for the job. Emotional labour is a real thing across many industries. You can be entertained by these tv show hosts, but you cant assume you know them as people.

Something I often worry about in regards to toxic workplaces, is that so much of "moving up" or making more in a company is promoting to a managerial ("middle management") position. Too many people end up in positions of power or leadership that they aren't meant for, but they're not going to get paid their worth otherwise. And when you're not good with handling other people,, you find it stressful, or you really just don't like it, that creates toxic workplaces VERY quickly. Even the best coworker can turn into the asshole boss. I've definitely been the toxic manager before, because they wouldn't just let me take on more responsibility in my current position without promoting since the pay increases wouldn't be "justified" otherwise.

I don't care who is a a toxic boss, lord knows there is no one nice at the top in showbiz. But if it ever comes out that Conan O'Brian is a terrible person...... well yeah not gonna lie that is gonna hurt a lot (even though I don't know him) and probably the first time where a news about a celebrity will affect my faith in my fellow human being.