The planned collaboration between late-night host Jimmy Fallon and music mogul Tommy Mottola on a branded pasta sauce line has been shelved following renewed scrutiny of Mottola’s connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The project, which had been in early development with a potential launch as late as 2027, is “definitely not moving forward,” according to sources familiar with the decision.
The unraveling of the venture comes after the recent release of hundreds of gigabytes of documents related to federal investigations into Epstein. These files, made public due to congressional action compelling the Department of Justice to release additional materials, detail Mottola’s frequent contact with Epstein over multiple years, including arrangements for travel and other communications. Mottola’s name appears in approximately 600 of the released documents.
News of the paused collaboration initially surfaced earlier this week, with a source telling Page Six, “Nobody wants to be within 50 feet of anyone in the Epstein files.” The Hollywood Reporter subsequently confirmed that the project had been entirely scrapped.
Fallon and Mottola, who have publicly displayed their friendship through social media posts showcasing dinners at Italian restaurants like Rao’s, had reportedly been exploring the possibility of launching their own pasta sauce brand. The timing of the announcement was initially anticipated next year, but the revelations within the Epstein Files prompted a swift reassessment.
The nature of Mottola’s interactions with Epstein, as revealed in the released documents, extends beyond simple travel arrangements. Conversations included discussions about procuring a private investigator and formulating a response to the #MeToo movement. In one instance, Mottola reportedly wrote to Epstein, “Shut up and lay low.” Records also indicate that Mottola visited Epstein’s residences in New York and Paris between 2006 and 2008, after Epstein served time for soliciting minors.
Mottola, a former CEO of Sony Music Entertainment and the executive credited with launching the careers of artists like Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, and Gloria Estefan, is not the only prominent entertainment figure facing repercussions from their association with Epstein. Casey Wasserman, a powerful Hollywood talent agent, announced on Friday that he is selling his agency, citing the distraction caused by his own correspondence with Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Wasserman’s decision followed an exodus of talent from his agency after the release of the Epstein Files. In a memo to employees, Wasserman apologized for “past personal mistakes” that had caused “so much discomfort,” stating that the situation was unfair to both his staff and the agency’s clients.
The fallout from the Epstein Files continues to reverberate throughout the entertainment industry, highlighting the potential consequences for individuals whose past associations are brought to light. The decision to halt the pasta sauce venture underscores the sensitivity surrounding any connection, however indirect, to Epstein and the ongoing efforts to address the broader issues of abuse and accountability.
The situation also raises questions about the due diligence processes within the entertainment industry and the extent to which potential business partners are vetted for potential reputational risks. While Fallon and Mottola’s collaboration appeared to be a natural extension of their friendship and shared passion for Italian cuisine, the revelations in the Epstein Files ultimately proved insurmountable.
The shelving of the pasta sauce line represents a significant setback for both Fallon and Mottola, who had reportedly invested considerable time and effort into the project. However, the decision reflects a broader trend of companies and individuals distancing themselves from anyone linked to Epstein in the wake of the release of the court documents. The long-term impact of these revelations on the entertainment industry remains to be seen, but the Epstein Files will continue to shape the landscape for years to come.
