Key Points

Jay Leno opened up about his regret over letting Jimmy Kimmel publicly mock him on The Tonight Show in 2010. The incident stemmed from Leno's controversial decision to reclaim the show from Conan O'Brien after ratings dropped. Leno admitted he could have edited the segment but chose to take responsibility for the awkward moment. Though the feud lingered, the two eventually reconciled, with Kimmel praising Leno's career longevity.

Key Points: Jay Leno Regrets Letting Jimmy Kimmel Humiliate Him on Tonight Show

  • Leno reflects on 2010 Tonight Show feud with Kimmel
  • Admits not editing the awkward segment was a mistake
  • Kimmel later praised Leno's success
  • The two reconciled after personal struggles
3 min read

It's my mistake: Jay Leno on letting Jimmy Kimmel humiliate him on his show

Jay Leno admits his mistake in allowing Jimmy Kimmel to mock him on The Tonight Show, reflecting on their feud and eventual reconciliation.

It's my mistake: Jay Leno on letting  Jimmy Kimmel humiliate him on his show
"When Kimmel came on my show and humiliated me on my own show, I let it happen. I didn't edit it. – Jay Leno"

Washington, April 26

TV host and comedian Jay Leno has regret in his life, and it was his infamous moment with Jimmy Kimmel.

In 2010, Kimmel appeared on Leno's show and called him out for reversing his decision to hand over The Tonight Show to Conan O'Brien, as reported by People.

After ratings for the late-night show and his 10 p.m. talk show, The Jay Leno Show, fell, the comic returned to the old show, while O'Brien refused to move to a later time slot.

After Leno questioned Kimmel about one of the funniest pranks he's ever played during his then appearance on The Tonight Show, the comedian said, "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," as per the outlet.

During the recent episode of In Depth With Graham Bensinger, Leno recalled the time when Kimmel appeared on his show, saying, "When Kimmel came on my show and humiliated me on my own show, I let it happen. I didn't edit it," he said, adding,"It was my mistake, I trusted somebody. I went, 'Ah, I made a mistake. Okay, I should pay the price.' And it's fine, it's fine. I mean, we could've edited it out of the show," reported People.

Leno added, "It's real, it happened. It's my mistake. That's how you learn."

While some may argue that the situation made for "good TV," Leno said that he hasn't found a silver lining.

"It's not good TV for me because it started a whole thing that continues to this day, really," he continued. "But it's okay, it's alright. He's a comic -- you do what you gotta do. I mean, I wouldn't have done it, but that's okay. That's alright. It is what it is."

Although Leno may have regrets, in 2017, Kimmel confirmed that the two had worked on their relationship.

"Jay and I have made peace," he said, adding, "After my son had his operation, he called me and he was very nice." That year, Kimmel's youngest son, Billy, had to undergo open heart surgery to fix a congenital heart disease.

Kimmel also praised Leno, saying, "You can't argue with Leno's success and his longevity," reported People.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah K.
Respect to Jay for owning up to his mistakes. Not many celebrities would admit they were wrong like that. Takes real character 👏
M
Mike T.
That Kimmel moment was brutal but honestly made for great TV. Kinda respect that Leno left it in though - shows he can take the heat.
J
Jenny L.
I think Kimmel went too far with this one. Professional courtesy should've stopped him from humiliating a colleague like that on their own show.
R
Robert P.
The late night wars were wild back then! This whole situation was messy but at least they've made peace now. Shows time heals most wounds.
A
Amir S.
Interesting to hear Leno's perspective after all these years. I do think the Conan situation was handled poorly, but props for reflection and growth.
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Tina W.
The fact that they reconciled after Kimmel's son's surgery shows what really matters in life. All that showbiz drama seems so small compared to real human struggles.

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