Jay Leno Regrets Handling of 2010 Kimmel Feud

Jay Leno recently reflected on his long-standing feud with Jimmy Kimmel, which began in 2010 after Kimmel publicly mocked Leno during an appearance on 'The Tonight Show' following Conan O’Brien’s controversial exit. Leno admitted he regretted not editing out Kimmel's harsh jokes, calling it a mistake for which he takes responsibility. The feud stemmed from industry backlash after Leno returned to host 'The Tonight Show,' replacing O’Brien, with Kimmel delivering pointed on-air criticisms that many saw as humiliating for Leno. Despite the public fallout and continuing tension in the comedy world at the time, Leno stated he does not hold a grudge, acknowledging that comedians often push boundaries. The two have since resolved their differences, notably after Leno reached out to Kimmel following Kimmel’s son’s heart surgery in 2017. Both now express mutual respect, marking an end to one of late-night television's most memorable conflicts.