Leno Reflects on Kimmel Feud, Takes Responsibility for On-Air "Humiliation"
The late-night television landscape was once a battleground, and at the center of one of its most enduring feuds were Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel. Years after the dust settled, Leno is revisiting the conflict, offering fresh insights into the infamous 2010 interview that ignited the animosity. In a candid conversation on "In Depth With Graham Bensinger," Leno addressed his past rivalry with Kimmel, taking partial responsibility for the on-air moment that sparked years of tension.
Leno, who has since reconciled with Kimmel, reflected on the interview where Kimmel seemingly skewered him for his controversial handling of "The Tonight Show" hosting duties. At the time, Leno had stepped down to allow Conan O’Brien to take over, only to return as host less than a year later, a move that drew widespread criticism and fueled the "late-night wars."
"When Kimmel came on my show and humiliated me on my own show, I let it happen," Leno confessed to Bensinger. "I didn’t edit it. It was my mistake. I trusted somebody. I went, ‘Ah, I made a mistake. Ok, I should pay the price.’ And it’s fine, it’s fine. I mean, we could have edited it out of the show."
The interview in question occurred shortly after Leno’s return to "The Tonight Show." During a lighthearted segment, Leno asked Kimmel about his best prank. Kimmel responded with a thinly veiled jab at Leno’s "Tonight Show" saga, saying, "I told a guy that five years from now I’m going to give you my show, and then when the five years came, I gave it to him, and then I took it back almost instantly."
The comment landed like a bomb in the late-night world. Before the era of amicable late-night hosts collaborating on joint podcasts, the Kimmel-Leno exchange was perceived as a direct attack. It ignited a feud that simmered for years.
On "In Depth," Leno seemed to have adopted a more resigned perspective on the incident. He acknowledged that Kimmel’s joke was rooted in the real-life controversy surrounding "The Tonight Show" transition.
"It’s real — it happened. It’s my mistake. That’s how you learn," Leno said. "It’s not good TV for me because it started a whole thing that continues to this day, really," he explained, referencing the lingering bad blood.
Despite the initial sting, Leno indicated that he had come to terms with the situation. He recognized Kimmel’s actions as part of the comedic landscape.
"He’s a comic," Leno said, stopping short of fully endorsing Kimmel’s approach. "You do what you gotta do. I mean, I wouldn’t have done it, but that’s okay."
The feud between Leno and Kimmel eventually subsided. Leno reached out to Kimmel after his son faced a medical crisis, leading to a reconciliation in 2017.
Leno’s recent comments provide a nuanced look back at the "late-night wars" and the personal toll they took on the individuals involved. By taking responsibility for allowing Kimmel’s joke to air unedited, Leno offered a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics of the late-night television industry. It was a reminder that beneath the glitz and glamour, these were real people grappling with professional rivalries and personal feelings.
The interview underscores the evolution of the late-night landscape. The era of cutthroat competition has given way to a more collaborative and supportive environment. Hosts like Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, and Kimmel frequently appear on each other’s shows and engage in joint projects.
Leno’s willingness to address the Kimmel feud suggests a desire to move past the negativity and embrace the spirit of camaraderie that now defines the late-night world. While he may not have fully approved of Kimmel’s actions, he acknowledged them as part of the comedic process.
The interview also highlights the enduring power of forgiveness. Despite the years of animosity, Leno and Kimmel were able to put their differences aside and forge a genuine friendship. Their reconciliation serves as a reminder that even the most intense rivalries can be overcome.
Leno’s willingness to reflect on his past mistakes and take responsibility for his actions is a testament to his character. It suggests that he has learned from his experiences and is committed to moving forward in a positive direction.
The saga of Leno and Kimmel is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of maintaining perspective in the face of intense competition. It is also a story of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of human connection.
Leno is also facing personal challenges. Jay Leno petitions to be conservator of wife Mavis estate after her dementia diagnosis.
