Jimmy Fallon Cancels Line of Pasta Sauces With Tommy Mottola Over Epstein Friendship

Rolling Stone

by Daniel Kreps

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Jimmy Fallon has reportedly abandoned plans to launch a line of pasta sauces with music mogul Tommy Mottola following revelations about Mottola's close ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The pair, long-time friends and business collaborators, were set to release the sauce line under the brand name "Mottola & Fallon" before the project was paused indefinitely. This decision came after Mottola’s extensive correspondence with Epstein, detailed in the Epstein Files, was made public. These files revealed a series of troubling interactions between Mottola and Epstein, including discussions about procuring private investigators, responding to the #MeToo movement, and even advising Epstein to "shut up and lay low." Additionally, Mottola visited Epstein’s residences in New York and Paris during the period when Epstein was on probation for soliciting minors. The cancellation of the pasta sauce venture underscores a broader cultural shift where high-profile individuals are facing scrutiny and consequences for their past associations with Epstein. This trend is evident in other recent developments, such as Casey Wasserman’s decision to sell his talent agency after his own ties to Epstein became known through Maxwell's texts. As these stories gain traction, they highlight the entertainment industry’s ongoing reckoning with accountability, particularly regarding relationships involving Epstein and other controversial figures. For readers interested in cultural trends, this story reflects a growing emphasis on transparency and ethical considerations in Hollywood. It also highlights how public revelations about influential figures can have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only their personal reputations but also their professional endeavors. The incident raises questions about the entertainment industry’s ability to move forward while addressing its complicated past.

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Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/14/2026