Jimmy Fallon faced online backlash after his on-air tribute to filmmaker Rob Reiner did not address Donald Trump’s post following Reiner’s death, leaving some viewers disappointed.
Jimmy Fallon faces backlash over Rob Reiner’s tribute
During the December 15 broadcast of The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon took a moment to honor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, following their deaths. The comedian reflected on Reiner’s frequent appearances on the show and spoke about the director’s lasting influence on television and film. However, Fallon’s decision to keep the tribute brief and avoid mentioning Trump’s remarks led to backlash from some viewers.
Critics argued that the host sidestepped key aspects of the tragedy. Some viewers noted that Fallon did not reference the alleged circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths or Trump’s post, which claimed the Reiners died as a result of the director’s supposed “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
“It’s disappointing that you aren’t defending him the way Seth Meyers did; by addressing how inhumane Trump’s post was,” one YouTube commenter wrote. Another added, “The passing? You mean the insane slaughter.” A third criticized the length of the segment, writing, “Wow a whole minute and half? Don’t spend too much time Jimmy.”
Others echoed similar frustrations, comparing Fallon’s silence to responses from fellow late-night hosts. “Comedians are supposed to speak truth to power,” one critic wrote, accusing Fallon of avoiding controversy.
Still, Fallon also received support from fans who felt his tribute struck the right tone. One viewer called it “classy” that he chose not to “make it about Trump,” while another suggested Fallon may have appeared subdued because the loss was personal.
Fallon’s restraint aligns with his long-stated position on politics. Speaking to CNBC in September, the Tonight Show host said the program has “never really been that political.” He added, “We hit both sides equally, and we try to make everybody laugh, and that’s really the way our show works.”
