Report says WGAW owes Leno an apology (DH, VAR)

By Nancy Tartaglione

A report by a trial committee of the Writers Guild of America West has determined that the guild owes Jay Leno an apology. The trial committee previously cleared the former "Tonight Show" host of charges of violating strike rules by writing monologue material for the show during the stoppage of 2007/08. The report has unanimously recommended the guild make a public apology because Leno has "been done a disservice and his reputation harmed by these proceedings."

On August 11th of this year, 18 months after the strike, it came to light that the union had cleared Leno of all charges. However, in reporting the findings of its probes into allegations of strike-breaking activity, the guild's message to members made no mention of Leno - nor has the guild offered a separate statement on the most high-profile member to face a strike rules trial committee hearing.

The report's findings - which both Deadline Hollywood and Variety detailed on Monday - show the inconsistent guidance Leno received as he prepared to resume production of "The Tonight Show" in January 2008, 2 months after going dark.

The report also highlights how WGA leaders flip-flopped on whether Leno would face disciplinary action for writing his "Tonight Show" monologue.

For his part, WGA West executive director David Young doesn't think the guild should offer up a mea culpa. "Jay Leno does not owe the guild an apology, nor vice versa," he told Variety.

Regardless, according to Leno's spokesman Dick Guttman, the host isn't looking for public contrition. "He's very happy to be a part of the guild, and he was very happy with the way this was adjudicated. No apology's needed," Guttman said.