Kathy Griffin Claims 'Tonight Show' Ban, Criticizes Jimmy Fallon for Hosting Conor McGregor
Comedian Kathy Griffin has publicly accused NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon of blacklisting her, while simultaneously criticizing host Jimmy Fallon for booking controversial guests, specifically UFC star Conor McGregor. In an Instagram post published on Tuesday, Griffin alleged that she has been deemed "too controversial" for the late-night program. She contrasted her apparent ban with Fallon's decision to host McGregor, who was found liable for sexual assault in a Dublin civil court in late 2024 and ordered to pay approximately $257,000 to his accuser.
"I have not [been allowed on]," Griffin wrote, expressing deep frustration over what she views as a glaring double standard in the entertainment industry. Griffin’s grievance centers on the disparity between how female public figures are penalized for political satire versus how male athletes and celebrities are welcomed back to mainstream platforms following serious legal rulings. McGregor, one of the UFC's most bankable figures, has continued to secure high-profile media appearances to promote his various business ventures, a reality that Griffin argued highlights systemic hypocrisy among late-night network executives and bookers.
The comedian's history of television exile dates back to 2017, when she posed for a highly publicized photograph holding a prop depicting the severed head of then-President Donald Trump. The fallout from the image was immediate and severe, resulting in the loss of her endorsement deals, the cancellation of her comedy tours, her termination from CNN's annual New Year’s Eve broadcast, and a federal investigation by the Secret Service. While Griffin has gradually rebuilt her career through independent touring and public appearances, her access to major network talk shows has remained heavily restricted.
Representatives for The Tonight Show and NBC have not yet publicly responded to Griffin’s remarks. The controversy touches on a broader, ongoing debate within Hollywood regarding celebrity accountability and the selective enforcement of industry standards. As Griffin continues her advocacy and comedy tours, her public call-out of Fallon underscores the lingering professional ramifications of political controversy compared to the relative institutional resilience enjoyed by male sports icons facing severe legal judgments.