Kathy Griffin Questions Absence from Tonight Show After Conor McGregor Appearance

Kathy Griffin stated she has not been invited to appear on The Tonight Show since Jay Leno was the host in 2013, suggesting she may be effectively banned from the program under Jimmy Fallon’s tenure.

In a video posted on Instagram, Griffin expressed that she has not been on the show since it aired at 12:30 Eastern and Pacific time, implying that the show has excluded her without formal notification. She said, “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 Comments on Invitations to Jimmy Fallon’s Show

Griffin clarified that she holds no personal grievances against Fallon, describing him as “always super nice” during her appearances on Late Night. However, she criticized the program’s choice to feature former UFC champion Conor McGregor, who appeared on The Tonight Show on June 16 to promote his UFC comeback.

She stated, “I think the Fallon folks made a mistake by having Conor McGregor on,” adding that it conveys a message to women and marginalized groups that perpetrators can be glorified without consequence.

Griffin also referenced Fallon’s 2016 interview with Donald Trump, during which Fallon tousled Trump’s hair, saying, “It kind of reminds me of when Fallon had Donald Trump on, and then he petted his hair.” She further criticized Lorne Michaels’ decision to have Trump host Saturday Night Live, suggesting it is time to reconsider who should be subject to cancellation.

Response to Griffin’s Claims

NBC has not issued a statement regarding Griffin’s remarks. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that Griffin’s description of being “banned” from the show is an exaggeration.

Following her controversial 2017 photo involving Donald Trump, Griffin has frequently joked about being “canceled.” She concluded her social media post by addressing Fallon directly: “Fallon, what kind of message are we sending here?! AND can we PLEASE save canceling people for the ones who actually deserve it?”