Conan Statement Says He Won’t Push Back “The Tonight Show”

After days of conflicting reports and speculation on the future of NBC’s late-night lineup, Conan O’Brien has released a statement saying he will not continue “The Tonight Show” if it is pushed back to 12:05 a.m.

Under a plan proposed by NBC, “The Jay Leno Show” would take the 11:35 p.m. timeslot, which is currently held by Conan. He would then move back a half-hour, sending Jimmy Fallon and “Late Night” to 2:05 a.m.

In his statement, Conan said NBC’s plan is an insult to the legacy of the “The Tonight Show,” as established by long-time host Johnny Carson. “I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction,” he wrote. “The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn’t the Tonight Show.”

Conan has essentially put the ball in NBC’s court, saying “My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.” He also added that he has not received any offers from other networks.

As soon as the statement was released, tweets started pouring in. Many seemed to interpret it as Conan quitting but nearly everyone seems to be sticking by him:

monkeyseeblog The Conan statement is interesting. He really doesn’t quit. He’s just not agreeing to go to 12:05. It’s really NBC’s move.

BastardMachine If Conan’s statement isn’t a resignation letter, then what is? Of course, he might have invoked “probable cause” by taking the gloves off.

42inchtv Conan won’t do “The Tonight Show” at 12:05, but won’t quit either. So NBC just fires him and Leno hosts “The Tonight Show” again? Got it.

Nickrob It’s weird to see how impressive it is that Conan O’Brien, of all people, would be a person who would really stand up for integrity. Weird.

ashleydc Way to stand up for yourself Conan! RT @movieline BREAKING: Conan O’Brien Rejects NBC’s Offer — The Full Statement http://bit.ly/8aNJIQ

TxLnghrnJen Conan quit. I’m heartbroken, but proud of him.

jxchu Ok,so not simply “quitting” RT @poniewozik:Re: Conan’s Tonight statement–does not say he’s quitting Tonight,but will quit if moves to 12:05

ickmusic Johnny Carson would pat ol’ Conan on the back for this move.

sarahonadiet well said, conan. i hope you’re happy, nbc. @nytimes Conan O’Brien Says He Won’t Do ‘Tonight Show’ Following Leno http://bit.ly/6kJpR5

thunt27 Conan O’Brien’s awesome-meter just spiked…It’s nice to see someone actually tell these greedy bastards no…

Coach_Currie Great release from Conan though, loved the last line. He is the best. RT @heykim: #CONAN just announced he QUITS…

jackboeuf Such a heartfelt letter.. Really hope to see conan doing what he does best in another way if it comes to it.. http://bit.ly/8t3czN

EricEngels good for Conan-sticking to his principles.bad for Conan-likely not going to change NBC’s decision. After reading his take,I think he’s right

aaron_hollman Too bad that #NBC had to #FUBAR things so bad that it has caused #Conan to quit. I think he had the best show on late night TV. #major #fail

jzwack Say it like it is Conan: “With my Tonight Show in its infancy, NBC has decided to react to their terrible difficulties in prime-time”

theaccordance Conan is gonna quit the tonight show if it gets bumped? I don’t blame him, He’s sure to get picked up on another network though no problem

chalupatime Obviously I agree with Conan. Hopefully NBC will just part ways with Leno and end this mess. #conan

gorphax84 Yay! Conan says he will leave The Tonight Show if he has to follow Jay Leno again. Good for him! Very glad to hear it…

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Conan Statement Says He Won’t Push Back “The Tonight Show”

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