Jay Leno appeared on comedian Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, where he addressed persistent rumors surrounding injuries he sustained in recent years, including claims they were the result of unpaid gambling debts and mob retaliation. The former Tonight Show host set the record straight, attributing his injuries to various accidents and denying any connections to gambling or organized crime.
Leno, an avid car enthusiast with a renowned collection of classic automobiles, joked about the rumors, quipping, “Well, I like the idea that they wouldn’t just take one of my cars for the gambling debt.” The comedian has been open about his aversion to gambling, stating he doesn’t enjoy losing money. “Losing 100 bucks makes me feel stupider than winning one thousand makes me feel good,” Leno remarked, dismissing the idea of gambling as a source of his injuries.
He’s not gonna fess up! 😜😎~TS
Jay Leno addresses rumors his facial injuries were related to mob retaliation https://t.co/q479i6711R #FoxNews
— Gaide Merlot (@Toby3096Gaide) December 30, 2024
In November, Leno fell 60 feet down a rocky hill outside his hotel, sustaining a broken wrist, bruising on his face and body, and losing a fingernail. Despite these injuries, he performed a comedy show just hours later, wearing an eye patch on stage. This incident was only the latest in a series of accidents for Leno.
Jay Leno has been seriously injured again after the comedian says he fell down a hill at the Hampton Inn
pic.twitter.com/6H3up1OyqR— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 20, 2024
Earlier in 2023, Leno suffered multiple injuries while riding his motorcycle. He explained to the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he was clotheslined by a wire strung across a parking lot without proper markings. The collision resulted in two broken ribs, broken kneecaps, and a fractured collarbone.
In a separate 2022 incident, Leno sustained third-degree burns on his face, hands, and chest while working on a vehicle in his garage. A gasoline fire erupted, leading to significant injuries that required multiple surgeries.
During the podcast, Leno also shared a story about a mob-related encounter from his early days as a comedian. After performing at the renowned Catch a Rising Star comedy club, a mob-affiliated man attempted to tip him $100. Leno politely declined, suggesting the money be donated to charity instead. The man praised Leno’s response, saying, “You’re a smart kid. You don’t take money from people like me.” According to Leno, this interaction spared him from any further mob entanglements, though he noted that other comedians were not always so fortunate.
While Leno has had several brushes with danger, he continues to display resilience and humor. His appearances and candid discussions highlight his ability to persevere through challenges and maintain his comedic spirit.
