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!
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A show can't exist with only the host and writers. It's obvious that Jay only care about the writers, who only care about themselves. I'm glad Ellen cared about the people on ther staff not lucky enough to be on a picket line demanding big bucks. I do believe that Jay is a wonderful boss to work for but he's an excellent boss to the writers. I'd hate to be working for him after the strike, there's going to be a WHOLE LOT OF TENSION on that show.
this is in response to the writers posting saying "Why do you think we've been working there for so long?" Let me answer that. Is it because leno is generous? No, that has nothing to do with it, although he is generous to some of the writers. (and nobody else) You know you only stay for one reason:
Nobody else wants you. You can't be hired anywhere because you're (for the most part) no talent hacks and that's why you've never been nominated for an emmy in 15 years.
by the way - your arrogant postings on tmz and your "picket line protocol" has sufficiently alienated your wga brethern so that you will never be considered for a nomination. which you never are anyway, but this time it has nothing to do with the lack of talent over there.
Great words, #133 "Business 101":
I hope everyone reads your message.
i think many long time and former employees of THT, and i am one, can understand that it doesnt make you a nice guy to have a nice guy face but allow others to do dirt "behind your back in front of you". jay would like people to think his hands are clean, but i believe he is too smart to not know the crap behavior of his beloved writers, mr joe mederios in particular. if he doesnt know, ignorance isnt really a good defense is it? mr wasted talent had it right" We understand supporting the writers but what about the rest of your crew. If the site gag isn't lit its not funny, if you can't hear the joke it's not funny, if you can't film the jay walk segment it's not funny.
Don't you get it? We are all in this together and would like to get back to work. After all, as Debbie said We all have our health." its very good to have your health, its also very good to have your good name. jay is trying to preserve his, mr joe mederios will not be as lucky. he picks a scapegoat and works him til the scapegoat gets fired, then gets a new one. like its everyone's else's fault the bits arent funny. but luckily,karma is a bitch. good luck, joe.
I wish this kind of attention was paid to the scabs crossing the picket line, thus possibly contributing to the length of the strike. Turn your spew toward Carson and Ellen. "Cheryl" I think the no talent hack you're refering to is youurself and that's why you were fired years ago. Time to remove the chip from your shoulder, get back to your catalogues of mail order companionship, and stop perpetuating viscious rumors.
FYI...Cheryl is a guy.. a former writer fired for ethical reasons. As you can tell a very hateful person.
He's trying to prime the pump getting staffers to eat our own in public.
More will be revealed about him each time he posts.
Jay where's our Krispy Kreams!!!!
I'll take them as a bonus.
As the announcer on The Tonight Show for 3 !/2 years, all I can say is that Jay has been nothing but generous to myself & my family. This person probably had just started on the show & with a staff of 175 it makes total sense. Jay is far from cheap. He is and has been a friendly & warm person who is always offering to help someone when they are in need. Shame on this low-life for posting this check. By the way, I'm sure the person still cashed it!
john melendez
who said these staffers were writers? not everyone who works on a show is a writer
the public was duped by this elephant faced "nice guy" act (not surprised when I constantly see how dumb they are - see above comment)
Letterman rules! he's the real man here - rich and compassionate too.
So John is what you are saying is that only the high ranking folks like you deserve to have cash to spend on your loved ones during the holidays? snobby and cheap just like your boss.
It takes 175 people to do the Tonight Show?! Why so many? I don't see a whole bunch of elaborate sets and props every night! It looks like a LOT of the layed-off employees are NEVER coming back. I think these well-payed, greedy writers screwed themselves because
when it's over NBC will realize how many people they probably DON'T need and that includes writers!
Get the whole story Jay is a very generous To All Staff. members. Now and in the past because one new intern or assistant put in very little time and got a check period says something about him.. because letterman and conan will pay staff ( Till the end of the year) for one month makes them demigods. . it is nice for them to do but to do so publicliy proves nothing but political gains on their part. and to go after Jay who privately took care of staff.. is irresponsible there are dozens and dozens of his staff who could tell stories of Jay taking care of them and their family members in the past with no pulbicist shopping the story to the press and tabloids such as yourself.. Lets see how Conan treats his staff 15 years into his new show.. if he even lasts that long..
