Kathy Griffin says she was ‘banned’ from ‘The Tonight Show’ and criticises Jimmy Fallon over Conor McGregor appearance

Kathy Griffin has claimed that she was effectively barred from appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, while also criticising the programme's decision to welcome former UFC champion Conor McGregor as a guest.

The comedian made the remarks in a video posted to Instagram on June 30, where she reflected on her history with late night television and questioned why she has not appeared on Jimmy Fallon's version of The Tonight Show. Griffin said she last appeared when the programme occupied its previous 12.30am slot before Fallon became host.

"I have not done the Jimmy Fallon show since it was on at 12.30 Eastern and Pacific, so I guess I am banned from the Fallon show, or inappropriate, or too controversial," Griffin said. She added that television programmes rarely tell guests they are banned outright, instead suggesting they simply stop extending invitations.

Despite Griffin's comments, representatives for The Tonight Show declined to comment publicly. According to sources, Griffin's description of events was exaggerated and there was no confirmation that she had been formally banned from the programme. A representative for Fallon also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Griffin also criticised Fallon for inviting Conor McGregor onto the programme earlier this month. McGregor appeared on June 16 to promote his planned UFC return against Max Holloway. Griffin argued that booking the fighter sent the wrong message, particularly following the outcome of a high profile civil case in Ireland.

In November 2024, an Irish High Court jury found McGregor liable in a civil sexual assault case brought by Nikita Hand, who accused him of raping her in a Dublin hotel in 2018. McGregor denied the allegation throughout the proceedings. The jury found in favour of Hand and awarded her damages of almost €250,000, roughly equivalent to $257,000 at the time. The case was civil rather than criminal, meaning McGregor was found liable rather than convicted of a criminal offence.

Referring to McGregor's television appearance, Griffin said she believed the booking sent a damaging signal to women and marginalised communities by continuing to give a major platform to someone who had been found liable in such a case. She described the decision as a mistake and argued that public figures should face greater accountability for their actions.

In the caption accompanying her Instagram post, Griffin continued her criticism of Fallon and promoted the latest episode of her YouTube series, Kathy Griffin: Talk Your Head Off. She wrote that people should reserve cancelling public figures for those who truly deserve it and questioned the message sent by featuring McGregor on a high profile entertainment programme.

Griffin has long been known for her outspoken comedy and willingness to challenge celebrities, politicians and television executives. Throughout her career she has frequently spoken about losing professional opportunities because of controversy surrounding her public comments and performances. Her latest remarks continue that pattern, combining criticism of the entertainment industry with wider concerns about accountability and representation.

Neither NBC nor Fallon has publicly addressed Griffin's broader criticism beyond declining to comment on her claims.