Jimmy Fallon and Tommy Mottola Scrap Planned Pasta Sauce Venture

The project was shelved following renewed scrutiny over Mottola's ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Jimmy Fallon and longtime music executive Tommy Mottola have scrapped plans to launch a branded pasta sauce line following renewed scrutiny tied to recently released Epstein-related documents. The development comes as Mottola's name appears in approximately 600 documents connected to federal investigations into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Why it matters

The cancellation of the Fallon-Mottola pasta sauce venture highlights the ongoing reputational fallout from the Epstein scandal, with public figures and businesses seeking to distance themselves from any perceived association. This case underscores the challenges of maintaining public image and partnerships in the face of renewed attention on Epstein's wide-ranging connections.

The details

According to reports, Fallon and Mottola had been in early development on a pasta sauce brand that could have launched as late as 2027. However, the project is no longer moving forward as attention intensifies around Mottola's association with Jeffrey Epstein. The Hollywood Reporter states that Mottola's name appears in approximately 600 documents released in connection with federal investigations into Epstein, including references to travel arrangements and other communications.

  • The pasta sauce venture was in early development and could have launched as late as 2027.
  • The project was placed on 'pause' in early 2026 following the release of Epstein-related documents.

The players

Jimmy Fallon

The host of NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, who had planned to launch a pasta sauce line with Tommy Mottola.

Tommy Mottola

A longtime music executive who is the chairman of Mottola Media Group and co-founder of Ntertain Studios. Mottola's name appears in approximately 600 documents connected to federal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier and convicted sex offender whose wide-ranging connections have led to ongoing reputational fallout for public figures and businesses.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges public figures and businesses face in maintaining their reputations and partnerships in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The cancellation of the Fallon-Mottola pasta sauce venture underscores the need for careful vetting and risk assessment when entering into new ventures, especially those involving individuals with potential ties to high-profile controversies.