The head writer of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon has vowed to “never work on, write, or be involved with, another Trump sketch ever again”.
Rebecca Drysdale’s comments come amid her exit from Fallon’s hit talk show. The writer has criticised the number of skits lampooning Donald Trump, claiming that it “only adds to his [power]”.
In a private Facebook message obtained by The Chicago Sun Times, Drysdale reportedly wrote: “I believe that comedy is a powerful tool. I believe that it can handle anything, no matter how unfunny.”
The former head writer, however, clarified that she believes “making fun” of the president only strengthens his power.
Drysdale wrote: “I don’t believe that making fun of this man [Trump], doing impressions of him, or making him silly, is a good use of that power. It only adds to his.”
“I am making the decision for myself to never work on, write, or be involved with, another Trump sketch ever again,” she said.
The comedy writer went on to reveal that the focus on Trump-focused sketches had “led to divided creative teams, anxiety, tears and pain” on The Tonight Show.
She concluded: “I can’t decide the outcome of this election, but I can make the choice for myself, to vote him out of my creative life.”
Drysdale – whose previous writing credits include High Maintenance and Key and Peele – served as head writer on Fallon’s hit show for only seven months before announcing her exit.
In the Facebook messages, Drysdale explains that her departure was a mutual decision.
“They made it clear that I was not a good fit for the show, and I did not disagree,” she said. “I wish it had gone differently and I had been able to be what they needed but that is not how it shook out.”
The Independent has approached representatives of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon for comment.
