Full Breakdown
Kathy Griffin Says She Is Banned from Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show
7/1/2026, 8:03:22 PM
Alleged Ban and Context
On June 30, 2026, Kathy Griffin posted an Instagram video stating she has not appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon since its 12:30 a.m. slot in 2013 and that she believes she is “banned… for being inappropriate or too controversial.” She also criticized Fallon’s June 16 interview with UFC fighter Conor McGregor.
Background
Griffin has previously said she was barred from The View and other talk shows, a pattern she describes as “being banned without notice.” Conor McGregor was found liable for sexual assault in a 2024 Irish civil trial and ordered to pay €250,000 (?$257,000) to Nikita Hand.
Key Figures
- Kathy Griffin, comedian (65)
- Jimmy Fallon, host (51)
- Conor McGregor, UFC fighter (37)
- NBC/The Tonight Show
Data
- Griffin’s last Tonight Show appearance: 2013 (Jay Leno era)
- McGregor’s civil-case damages: €250,000 (~$257,000)
- McGregor interview date: June 16, 2026
Official Statements & Responses
NBC representatives declined comment on Griffin’s claim; internal sources called the “ban” description exaggerated and said no formal exclusion exists. Fallon’s team also did not respond.
Criticism & Opposition
Actress Christina Ricci posted on Instagram, “Why the ABSOLUTE F--- is this piece of human garbage being given a platform on Jimmy Fallon’s show?” Griffin also criticized Fallon’s 2016 interview with Donald Trump, saying it made her uncomfortable.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Griffin asserts a ban; NBC says no formal ban exists and characterizes her claim as exaggerated. Neither Fallon nor NBC provided a clear reason for her absence, leaving the status unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have not done the Jimmy Fallon show since it was on at 12:30 Eastern and Pacific, so I guess I’m banned from the Fallon show, or inappropriate, or too controversial,” — Kathy Griffin, Comedian
- “When you’re banned from a show… they don’t usually tell you, you’re banned. They just can’t seem to find room for you.” — Kathy Griffin, Comedian
- “I think the Fallon folks made a mistake by having Conor McGregor on.” — Kathy Griffin, Comedian
- “I think it sends yet another message to women and marginalized folks everywhere that we’re not equal and you can do anything to us, and the perpetrators are still going to be out there being glorified.” — Kathy Griffin, Comedian
Impact
Griffin’s claim highlights tension over how late-night shows vet guests with recent legal judgments and raises questions about informal “cancellations” versus editorial choices. The dispute adds to broader debates on media responsibility and representation of marginalized groups.
What’s Next
Griffin promoted the latest episode of her YouTube series “Talk Your Head Off” in the Instagram post and indicated she will continue speaking on the issue. No further comment from NBC or Fallon has been reported as of early July 2026.
