![Bobbi Kristina Hospitalized -- Whitney Houston's Daughter Rushed to the Hospital [UPDATE]](http://ll-media.tmz.com/2012/02/13/0213-whitney-hero-2-248x127.jpg)
UPDATE: Jay's rep tells us that he wishes he could do more, but it's not his show -- he's just the host. Having said that, he gave out his standard Christmas bonuses early to mitigate the effects of the strike -- nearly half a million bucks. The rep would not say, however, how the cash was distributed. As for not saying goodbye to the staff, Jay can't cross the picket line.
Staffers at the "Tonight Show" were just told they've been laid off because of the WGA strike. Happy F-ing Holidays.
And that's not the only thing adding insult to penury around NBC. As TMZ reported earlier, we were told that Jay Leno was in a giving mood, offering the staff a "big" Christmas bonus to get them through the strike. This, instead of offering to pay their salaries like his counterparts Conan O'Brien and David Letterman. Well, someone just sent us a copy of their bonus check. $100. Wow.
Staffers were supposed to receive $100 for each year they've been on the show, but we're told some didn't even get that. We hear many staffers are more hurt than pissed, as there's been little communication from the top. One source says that they weren't too pleased about how Jay's handled the layoffs. He didn't even say goodbye, much less Merry Christmas. Grinch!
See More
Reader Comments
(Page 3 of 9) Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments
Luv_Conan: I never said Conan owned the show. He produces it and is responsible for the majority of what goes on on the show, so it's pretty much his.
From Wikipedia:
2003, O'Brien's own production company, Conaco, was added as a producer of Late Night.
Hey #15 "Stupid" Sophie and #20 Cheap "Ass" Skate Hater.......... Jay isn't even Jewish and if he was, what does that have anything to do with it? It's not his fault that the writers went on strike.... Quit the name calling......
what is wrong with you people Jay works for NBC just like these other people do. He does not pay their salary. He is the reason they have a job. He honored the picket line. Conan takes over in 2009 which I think NBC has made a fatal mistake.
All those damn writers need to get back to work. You know they get paid a decent salary for being a writer...and they're whining about not getting enough. Well guess what, now all the lighting, sound, makeup, hair, directors, stage hands, administrative staff....ALL OUT OF WORK!!!! No pay for Christmas, no GI Joe with the kung fu grip!
Stop being selfish "writers", get back to work and stop making EVERYONE else suffer for your greed!
WGA SUCKS!
OMG that's so fuct up!! I'll bet they're wishing they'd worked for one of the other guys!
I think some are forgetting that there are many, many people other than the writers out of work due to the WRITERS choosing to go on strike. Cameramen, wardrobe, make up, grips, musicians, etc. etc.
I am a small business owner (around 10 employees) and I give my employees 10x that every year. I can't necessarily afford it, but I would rather go without something if it means taking care of those who take care of me all year long by showing up every day and doing their job. I learned a long time ago, if I want to keep good help I have to take care of them, pay them well and show them the same respect that they show me.
If this is true, shame on Jay! A successful boss is only as good as those who helped them get where they are today. It takes a lot more than a "star" or the writers to make a show or a business a success. Sounds like Jay has forgotten that!
What Would Xmas Be Without Warrants Served In Annas Death:
Hey, wax for 3,000 cars costs a lot money, you know. What's a guy supposed to do on his meager salary? Show appreciation?!
Oh how sad....NOT. I guess they will have to live in the real world where the rest of us live, you know most of us get a final paycheck and a swift kick in the ass, along with a trip to unemployment, ummmm maybe they should do the same.
I'll feel sorry for them when they are starving....NOT!
Guess WHAT? Your employer does not have to pay your salary when you're out on strike! I am a union member, and the only assistance we could expect when we went on strike, was from our own union! How ignorant of some people to think that this is all Jay Leno's problem!
Here I am: A lard ass, obese low self esteem bitch who was nothing else to do but to eat burgers & malts in front of my computer.
I feel so ugly specially when Harvey and TMZ make fun of fat people I just want to cry because I'm so fat, my tummy is so huge that it doesn't look like I have a vajayjay anymore!!!
Stop making fun of fat people Harvey!!!
Yay Jay! Who cares?? The "staffers"?? Are they the writers who chose to go on strike? Or, are they the other 'hands' that make the show tick? I was on strike once..my boss didnt give me anything and he doesnt even own 300 cars.
Jay went above and beyond, but when you make more in one show than you send collectively to your 'team', there is a bit of scrutiny that may come about...
Just sayin
Once again, no one checks the facts. The staffer in question was only there for a few months so it's no wonder this person only got $100. Where I've heard tales over the years of successful hosts giving their staffs tins of popcorn, monogrammed bathrobes, and I-Tunes gift certificates for the holidays, Jay gives cash -- to over 175 people. Out of his own pocket. Depending on how long you're been with the show it can mean a bonus of THOUSANDS of dollars. And he's been doing it every year for the last 15.
When we had our 10th Anniversary show, every staff member got $1000 for every year they were with the show -- with most people getting $10,000 -- plus we got a Christmas bonus that year too. All out of Jay's own pocket again.
And why didn't he stop by the office to say goodbye to the staff? BECAUSE HE WON'T CROSS THE PICKET LINE.
Jay Leno is one of the most generous persons I've ever known. I am proud to work for him. And I am certainly not the only one of our staff who will say that.
Hey, TMZ, how hard was it to find the person who got the lowest check of the hundreds of checks involved? Did you get your information from perezhilton.com? You've become a joke.
I don't even like or respect Jay Leno after reading The Late Shift, but this kind of "reporting" stinks! Since Jay knows he's on his way out, why should he care which particular staffer fills a job? One leaves and there are 20 people lined up waiting for the position.
I was laid off once. I didn't get any money. I got another job. Welcome to the real world.
My husband was Johnny Carsons director and he got a $25,000.00 bonus every year!
Jay is cheap!
