1.) I ♥️ Conan so much and the fact that most of his staff have stayed with him for 20-30+ years is amazing. He’s got people who have been with him from DAY 1. That’s not just incredible by media industry standards but in any working environment/company. It’s a testament to leadership from top down setting the example of compassion, integrity and creating a fun and equitable environment where people are challenged to do their best work, can grow, and feel ownership/ pride about their contributions to the organization’s shared goals, wins, and losses.
2.) re: Meghan and Harry - I too have had the impression that LG steers away from even noteworthy/ gossip worthy H&M news. Like not reviewing Spare - a legit meteoric best seller with plenty to dissect/digest - was disappointing bc I was chomping at the bit for Lainey’s hot takes and perspective. I get that they’re a hot bed for controversy and opens up crazies coming for the jugular but I’d rather get Lainey’s astute perspective over Celebitchy’s over-the-top fan girling. Lastly, more than ever, it’s imperative for smart voices to actively discuss/question archaic, racist, classist, colonial institutions like the British royal family. It’s their PRIVILEGE to ‘never explain’. They’ve gotten away with deriving/maintaining extreme [personal, generational] wealth through exploitation/slavery, and as an American I find it bizarre how the Brits continue allowing these inbred idiots to justify their existence under the guise of ‘service’ and ‘duty’. Not calling out this BS is akin to acceptance and tolerance of these unacceptable structures - and does more harm to those fighting for progress and equality.
I am definitely bored with royals, I can't believe people are asking for more coverage of them. They completely ruined Celebitchy. I understand that people over there like Meghan but that kind of worship is insane
A crappy day was just made brighter reading the Mailbag - thank you so much.
Question: in the conversation about Jimmy Fallon and his behaviour, my mind goes to Tina Fey sometimes. I know she has a group of very famous/talented friends, but for someone as powerful (and frankly, funny), I’ve been side-eyeing her silence on topics. Is she just famously private or is she kind of part of the lion in the grass? I laughed really hard reading Bossy Pants, but I get a vibe from her that somehow she likes the status quo. Or maybe I’m totally wrong.
Regardless, I hope you all have a great weekend. Thanks for all sharing your time with me/us!
As someone who firmly believes in Adopt Don’t Shop, I don’t know why I find it so funny that Meghan Markle wasn’t impressed by you buying your beagles from a breeder but I really, really do.
Sorry- I realize that by connecting Tina Fey to Jimmy Fallon, it sounds like I’m “blaming” her for his behaviour and I didn’t mean to do that but I can see how it reads that way. What I meant to say is I’ve often wondered about Jimmy Fallon as a person. He gives off such “nice guy vibes” but it has never felt genuine. I’ve often found it odd he’s so close to JT and this train of thought about who surrounds Jimmy Fallon led me to Tina Fey because they’ve talked about being close. When I think of Tina Fey (on her own), I remember how funny I found her but given her connections and power, I just wonder where she is when big issues come up. I have no doubt that she has dealt with so much adversary but she’s now a powerful, successful woman who is also white. Does she bring others along with her to build something like Issa Rae or others but just quietly? Or is she pretty comfortable with the status quo? So my question was really meant for the mailbag and questioning what do the “insiders” think about Tina Fey. I do appreciate that you questioned me, though. Thanks!
Question for next time. I remember years ago seeing stories on Lainey Gossip about designers who absolutely would not provide clothes for plus-size stars. To the point where stars would beg designers to make something for them and it was the rare, very heroic designer who would do this. That seems not to be a problem today and yet I don't know exactly when or how that switched. I'm assuming it's no longer a problem but is that true? If so how did that happen?
I also note that I learned from Lainey that the fashion provided for the Emmys used to be b-grade compared to the Oscars. I imagine that changed when TV became the place for A-list stars so the fashion got better too. Is there a story there?
I have a question, and I apologize if it's a dumb question. When Meghan and Harry were at Beyoncé and he looked bored in that photo, I saw some tweets saying the videos where they looked happy were posted by someone M & H paid. Yes, the tweets were from someone who clearly hates them and spends all their time hating them and it's almost definitely a batshit conspiracy theory. But it did make me wonder, do celebrities ever pay people to post "spontaneous" positive videos of them to social media?
Umm, that picture of Lainey in the Daily Mail is fabulous. At least they did you that solid! Apparently I agree that the Royals are super boring because that’s my only take away from the first few answers.
I mean I’m happy for the clarification on H&M but you never reviewed Spare and it seemed like because you didn’t want to say anything bad, and while it sold and was juicy it was full of lies and petty whining and it seemed like you didn’t want to be critical of it. Also nobody on a measured manner will report in their inconsistent stories, like the three versions of how they met, their sketchy finances themselves and MMs mother, or everything else that seems to shift and change and is “their truth” but maybe not the actual truth, and that’s pretty frustrating and imo a missed opportunity to inject some sanity.
For a great insight into Late Night Hosts, Strike Force Five is fascinating: Colbert seems to talk way more than the others (and is so smart); Oliver is unsurprisingly brilliant; Seth seems very normal and offers quiet but funny observations; Kimmel just seems like a good guy; and Fallon sounds like an entitled, lazy, moron. Particularly with the most recent podcast about the Wives.
Mailbag for September 15, 2023
1.) I ♥️ Conan so much and the fact that most of his staff have stayed with him for 20-30+ years is amazing. He’s got people who have been with him from DAY 1. That’s not just incredible by media industry standards but in any working environment/company. It’s a testament to leadership from top down setting the example of compassion, integrity and creating a fun and equitable environment where people are challenged to do their best work, can grow, and feel ownership/ pride about their contributions to the organization’s shared goals, wins, and losses.
2.) re: Meghan and Harry - I too have had the impression that LG steers away from even noteworthy/ gossip worthy H&M news. Like not reviewing Spare - a legit meteoric best seller with plenty to dissect/digest - was disappointing bc I was chomping at the bit for Lainey’s hot takes and perspective. I get that they’re a hot bed for controversy and opens up crazies coming for the jugular but I’d rather get Lainey’s astute perspective over Celebitchy’s over-the-top fan girling. Lastly, more than ever, it’s imperative for smart voices to actively discuss/question archaic, racist, classist, colonial institutions like the British royal family. It’s their PRIVILEGE to ‘never explain’. They’ve gotten away with deriving/maintaining extreme [personal, generational] wealth through exploitation/slavery, and as an American I find it bizarre how the Brits continue allowing these inbred idiots to justify their existence under the guise of ‘service’ and ‘duty’. Not calling out this BS is akin to acceptance and tolerance of these unacceptable structures - and does more harm to those fighting for progress and equality.
I am definitely bored with royals, I can't believe people are asking for more coverage of them. They completely ruined Celebitchy. I understand that people over there like Meghan but that kind of worship is insane
A crappy day was just made brighter reading the Mailbag - thank you so much.
Question: in the conversation about Jimmy Fallon and his behaviour, my mind goes to Tina Fey sometimes. I know she has a group of very famous/talented friends, but for someone as powerful (and frankly, funny), I’ve been side-eyeing her silence on topics. Is she just famously private or is she kind of part of the lion in the grass? I laughed really hard reading Bossy Pants, but I get a vibe from her that somehow she likes the status quo. Or maybe I’m totally wrong.
Regardless, I hope you all have a great weekend. Thanks for all sharing your time with me/us!
Ooh I have a question for the next Squawk. What happened to the Lainey podcasts? I miss Sasha and What’s your Drama and Duana and Show Your Work!
As someone who firmly believes in Adopt Don’t Shop, I don’t know why I find it so funny that Meghan Markle wasn’t impressed by you buying your beagles from a breeder but I really, really do.
Just blink if it’s Lorne. 🦁
Sorry- I realize that by connecting Tina Fey to Jimmy Fallon, it sounds like I’m “blaming” her for his behaviour and I didn’t mean to do that but I can see how it reads that way. What I meant to say is I’ve often wondered about Jimmy Fallon as a person. He gives off such “nice guy vibes” but it has never felt genuine. I’ve often found it odd he’s so close to JT and this train of thought about who surrounds Jimmy Fallon led me to Tina Fey because they’ve talked about being close. When I think of Tina Fey (on her own), I remember how funny I found her but given her connections and power, I just wonder where she is when big issues come up. I have no doubt that she has dealt with so much adversary but she’s now a powerful, successful woman who is also white. Does she bring others along with her to build something like Issa Rae or others but just quietly? Or is she pretty comfortable with the status quo? So my question was really meant for the mailbag and questioning what do the “insiders” think about Tina Fey. I do appreciate that you questioned me, though. Thanks!
Question for next time. I remember years ago seeing stories on Lainey Gossip about designers who absolutely would not provide clothes for plus-size stars. To the point where stars would beg designers to make something for them and it was the rare, very heroic designer who would do this. That seems not to be a problem today and yet I don't know exactly when or how that switched. I'm assuming it's no longer a problem but is that true? If so how did that happen?
I also note that I learned from Lainey that the fashion provided for the Emmys used to be b-grade compared to the Oscars. I imagine that changed when TV became the place for A-list stars so the fashion got better too. Is there a story there?
I love all this inside baseball!
I have a question, and I apologize if it's a dumb question. When Meghan and Harry were at Beyoncé and he looked bored in that photo, I saw some tweets saying the videos where they looked happy were posted by someone M & H paid. Yes, the tweets were from someone who clearly hates them and spends all their time hating them and it's almost definitely a batshit conspiracy theory. But it did make me wonder, do celebrities ever pay people to post "spontaneous" positive videos of them to social media?
Umm, that picture of Lainey in the Daily Mail is fabulous. At least they did you that solid! Apparently I agree that the Royals are super boring because that’s my only take away from the first few answers.
I mean I’m happy for the clarification on H&M but you never reviewed Spare and it seemed like because you didn’t want to say anything bad, and while it sold and was juicy it was full of lies and petty whining and it seemed like you didn’t want to be critical of it. Also nobody on a measured manner will report in their inconsistent stories, like the three versions of how they met, their sketchy finances themselves and MMs mother, or everything else that seems to shift and change and is “their truth” but maybe not the actual truth, and that’s pretty frustrating and imo a missed opportunity to inject some sanity.
For a great insight into Late Night Hosts, Strike Force Five is fascinating: Colbert seems to talk way more than the others (and is so smart); Oliver is unsurprisingly brilliant; Seth seems very normal and offers quiet but funny observations; Kimmel just seems like a good guy; and Fallon sounds like an entitled, lazy, moron. Particularly with the most recent podcast about the Wives.
I would love if you could give us a peak inside your closet 😩 I always loved your fashion on The Social. Your shoe game is always on point!
Sarah, speaking of cats, how’s Pancake???
Lainey, those boots are perfection. Definitely a silver lining in the UK gossip controversy.