Sign-on to OAC’s Letter Calling on Jay Leno to Apologize for Stigmatizing Obesity Comments on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
The Issue:
On the April 25, 2019 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, guest comedian Jay Leno delivered an “angry rant” monologue that severely stigmatized people with obesity. His comments not only joked about living with obesity, but also about its causes and the effects of those it impacts. This episode is offensive on many levels, but it’s also a clear example of weight bias at work in the media.
To Watch Mr. Leno’s Monologue, CLICK HERE.
How You Can Help:
On behalf of our 60,000+ members, OAC has reached out to NBC for action on this serious issue including:
- An on-air apology from Mr. Leno
- The removal of the episode and any pre-roll footage of the monologue
- Collaboration between OAC and NBC to include science-based information on obesity as a disease, as part of its “The More You Know” PSA series
If you care about ending weight bias, help OAC address the issue by adding your name to our letter to NBC executives! By doing so, you’ll help enforce the harmful effects of this episode and encourage future collaboration with OAC to broaden obesity understanding. To read the letter, CLICK HERE.