TV bosses behind Jimmy Fallon's talk show are facing allegations of sexual discrimination from a former employee who claims he was demoted and eventually dismissed because the presenter prefers working with women.
Veteran stagehand Paul Tarascio spent 14 years working on Late Night With Conan O'Brien before Fallon took over the slot in 2009.
Tarascio has filed a complaint with America's Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging he was demoted shortly after the show changed format and replaced by a "less qualified woman".
He also claims Late Night With Jimmy Fallon's director, David Diomedi, told him at the time, "You know Jimmy. He loves his women."
Tarascio complained to his union reps and claims the atmosphere on set then became hostile and just two weeks later he was fired.
A spokesman for NBC tells Reuters, "We have yet to see any of the charges. Any claim of sexual discrimination is without merit."
