Rosie O’Donnell Criticizes Jay Leno for Clip in ‘Biggest Loser’ Documentary
Rosie O’Donnell has some pointed remarks for the former late night host Jay Leno after viewing Netflix’s documentary Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser.
“Jay Leno is a mean a**hole #biggestloserdocumentary,” O’Donnell, 63, captioned an Instagram post on Tuesday, August 19, sharing a picture of former Biggest Loser contestant Tracey Yukich from the newly launched series.
O’Donnell appeared to be referencing a moment in the documentary where Yukich was featured on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno after her stint on The Biggest Loser season 8 in 2009. Leno, now 75, read aloud death threats that Yukich had received during the live broadcast.
Us Weekly has reached out to Leno’s team for a response.
Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser has garnered attention since its premiere on Netflix on Friday, August 15. Former contestants participated in the three-part documentary, sharing their experiences and alleged difficulties encountered during The Biggest Loser.
The Biggest Loser aired on NBC for 17 seasons from 2004 to 2016, returning for a final season in 2020 on the USA Network.
In addition to her experiences on The Tonight Show, Yukich claimed she nearly “died” after an early challenge on Biggest Loser, which required contestants to run a mile on the beach.
“In my head, I’m thinking, ‘I can run, I’ve got four kids,’” she shared. “‘I’m running after them all the time.’ But it was the longest mile ever.”
After the challenge, Yukich faced a medical crisis.
“I don’t remember a lot,” she continued. “I recall hearing the helicopter. I felt like I was floating. Then my grandpa appeared, and then I saw darkness. But then there was light, so I knew, I knew I died that day.”
Yukich reported that her body began to “shut down.” She was later diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a rare and dangerous condition where muscle tissue begins to break down following excessive exercise, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
“It started with my liver, then affected my kidneys, and ultimately went to my heart,” she recounted. “That’s when I almost died.”
The show’s doctor Robert Huizenga recalled discussions about possibly sending Yukich home following her experience, but she felt “really angry” at the thought of leaving.
“I felt like my weight and everything associated with it was constantly dragging me down,” Yukich expressed. “I wanted to transform my life, and at that moment, I believed it was my only chance.”
Starting the series at 250 pounds, Yukich ultimately finished at 132 pounds.
