Conan and NBC Finalize Their Divorce
The Wrap and the New York Times both report that a deal was finally concluded late last night. Conan's on his way with a $32m payout, and will be able to return to TV in eight months. The Wrap broke the story in the small hours, having talked to insiders in the negotiations. The Times confirmed it this morning. Conan apparently gave up some of his severance to benefit his staffers and the negotiations, say the Wrap, were so slow because there was no trust.
The deal will give Tonight Show staff a few weeks to clear out of their offices. But most disappointingly:
A non-disparagement clause will prevent O'Brien or NBC from directly taking potshots at each other in the press.
What are we supposed to write about now?