Errors May Not Permanently Be Forgotten and Buried

The teeth of our errors of judgment often are still sharp today.

Comedian Jimmy Fallon would likely agree to that statement. 

He is working his way through a reputation crisis that although likely not to cause him career pain long term, might leave him suffering with remorse and shame for a long while. What did Fallon do anyway? He did an impression in blackface in 2000 of fellow comedian Chris Rock on a Saturday Night Live sketch. 

Fallon had likely not thought about it in years. Yet it resurfaced and became a reminder of ignorance, at best and more likely shortsightedness, arrogance, insensitivity and ugliness from his past. 

This predictably then became new blood in the water for social media always lurking for new targets on which to feast and be nourished, with mocking, nasty comments and a gleeful hashtag #JimmyFallonisOverParty and calling for Fallon’s employer to “cancel him” through termination.

He confessed that he had been advised (terribly poor advice commonly given) to “just stay quiet and not say anything” at first. Fallon admitted that he was afraid of misspeaking and causing more hurt without intending to do such. He eventually decided he had to be courageous and assertive (corrective decision making) in place of being fearful and avoiding responsibility. 

Fallon stepped into his crisis and commented “I’m horrified and I’m sorry and I’m embarrassed,” also saying “There is no excuse for this. I am very sorry for making this unquestionably offensive decision and thank all of you for holding me accountable.” 

How did Rock feel about Fallon’s sketch and how does he feel now? That is an important question and as far as I could learn, an unknown. Fallon, for what observation is worth, appears sincerely remorseful, humble and with a desire to learn and heal. That behavior will help him move forward, although for many, this will be a stain on his name forever. 

Fallon can continue to build forgiveness and trust however with sustained humility, patience, sensitivity, courage, kindness, a bold commitment to make amends and decision making that shows his transgression (and its bigger meaning) will not reemerge.

Michael Toebe is a specialist for reputation, professional relationships communication and wiser crisis management, serving individuals and organizations. He writes the Red Diamonds Newsletter, a weekly publication on the Medium platform, covering communication, decision making, behavior, conflict, professional relationships, courage and resilience and reputation and crisis. He also hosts the Red Diamonds Podcast with Michael Toebe.