Comedian Rosie O’Donnell has launched a scathing attack against Jay Leno following the release of Netflix’s documentary series about “The Biggest Loser,” condemning the former late-night host for what she described as cruel treatment of reality show contestants.
O’Donnell took to Instagram on Tuesday, August 20, 2025, after watching “Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser,” which premiered on Netflix on August 15. The three-part documentary series exposes disturbing behind-the-scenes details from the weight-loss competition show that aired from 2004 to 2016.
The 63-year-old actress specifically targeted Leno for his treatment of former contestant Tracey Yukich during her appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” in November 2009. According to the documentary, Leno read death threats directed at Yukich aloud while she sat beside him during the live broadcast.
In her Instagram post, O’Donnell included photos of Yukich’s confessional from the documentary and a screenshot of her appearance on Leno’s show. O’Donnell characterized Leno as “a mean a–hole,” using the hashtag #biggestloserdocumentary.
Yukich appeared on Season 8 of “The Biggest Loser” in 2009, where she suffered a severe medical emergency during the show’s first challenge. The contestant recalled experiencing what she described as a near-death experience, with her organs shutting down due to rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle breakdown products damage the kidneys.
The reality star described hearing a helicopter and seeing her deceased grandfather before experiencing darkness and then light. Yukich indicated that she believed she died that day and initially blamed herself for the incident because of her weight.
O’Donnell also directed criticism at former “Biggest Loser” trainer Bob Harper in a separate Instagram post. She expressed frustration that Harper has not apologized for his treatment of contestants, describing his behavior as hurtful and cruel. Her post included photos of contestant Joelle Gwynn, whom Harper screamed at during Season 7 of the show.
In the documentary, Harper, now 60, acknowledged that producers encouraged extreme behavior in the gym, wanting contestants to vomit and embrace what he called “the madness of it all.” Despite admitting to moments he was not proud of, Harper maintained that he stands behind everything he did on the show and claimed he never put anyone in harm’s way.
The Netflix documentary has generated significant controversy since its release, with viewers expressing horror at the verbal abuse and constant humiliation that contestants endured. The series also highlights the lack of aftercare provided to participants after they left the show.
Former trainer Jillian Michaels, who did not participate in the documentary, has disputed several claims made in the series. She took to Instagram with what she called receipts from her time on the show, suggesting that some participants were lying about events that occurred during production. Michaels indicated she is considering legal action against Netflix over what she described as egregious claims.
The documentary reveals that “The Biggest Loser” pitted overweight contestants against each other in a competition to lose the most weight relative to their initial body weight over a 30-week period. The show originally aired on NBC before moving to USA Network for its final season in 2020.
Representatives for both Leno and Harper have not responded to requests for comment regarding O’Donnell’s criticism. The 75-year-old former “Tonight Show” host has not publicly addressed the allegations raised in the documentary.
O’Donnell’s criticism of the show’s treatment of contestants aligns with broader discussions about the ethics of reality television programming. The documentary has sparked conversations about the responsibility of networks and producers in ensuring participant safety and well-being.
The controversy surrounding “The Biggest Loser” extends beyond the documentary’s revelations, with former contestants having previously spoken about the long-term health consequences of their rapid weight loss. Medical experts have raised concerns about the extreme methods used on the show and their potential impact on participants’ metabolism and overall health.
The documentary’s release has reignited debate about reality television’s impact on participants and the entertainment industry’s responsibility to protect those who appear on such programs. O’Donnell’s vocal criticism adds to the growing chorus of voices calling for accountability from those involved in the show’s production and promotion.