Late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon apologized Tuesday for wearing blackface while impersonating comedian Chris Rock during a “Saturday Night Live” sketch in 2000.
Fallon, who has been the host of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” since February 2014, issued the apology after video and criticism of the sketch resurfaced on social media, The New York Times reported.
“While on SNL, I made a terrible decision to do an impersonation of Chris Rock while in blackface. There is no excuse for this,” “Fallon tweeted. “I am very sorry for making this unquestionably offensive decision and thank all of you for holding me accountable.”
In 2000, while on SNL, I made a terrible decision to do an impersonation of Chris Rock while in blackface. There is no excuse for this.
— jimmy fallon (@jimmyfallon) May 26, 2020
I am very sorry for making this unquestionably offensive decision and thank all of you for holding me accountable.
Fallon was a cast member on “SNL” from 1998 to 2004, CNN reported. Rock starred on the show from 1990 to 1993.
NBC had removed the video from the internet, but clips have recently been circulating on Twitter and YouTube, Variety reported.
In the sketch, Fallon appeared opposite Darrell Hammond, who was impersonating television host Regis Philbin. Fallon wore a black turtleneck, a black leather jacket and a wig, the Times reported. His face was covered in dark makeup.
Fallon appeared on camera for less than a minute, the newspaper reported.
Fallon is the latest celebrity called out for wearing blackface, Variety reported. Others include Robert Downey Jr., in the 2008 comedy “Tropic Thunder”; Jimmy Kimmel, for a sketch on “The Man Show” in 2000; and Sarah Silverman in a 2007 episode of “The Sarah Silverman Show.”
Fallon did not broadcast live Tuesday night. Instead a show dubbed “staff favorites” was aired.
Fallon has not been available for comment, other than his tweet.
Cox Media Group
