LOS ANGELES , Dec. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. talk-show host Jay Leno will pay approximately 80 laid-off "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" staffers for at least the next week, The Hollywood Reporter said.
The report comes after Leno drew criticism for not doing more to help out workers who lost their jobs last week due to the on-going Writers Guild of America strike.
Leno distributed Christmas bonuses early to help soften the blow of the lay-offs, however, he was slammed for not mirroring the actions of his fellow late-night stars.
Conan O'Brien Thursday informed the non-writing staff on his "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" that he will pay them out of his pocket on a week-to-week basis, while David Letterman, whose Worldwide Pants produces "The Late Show With David Letterman" and "The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson," is covering the payroll for employees of both shows through the end of this month.
In addition to being laid off, "Tonight Show" employees were notified there is no guarantee they will be rehired once the show resumes production, the trade paper said.
