Jay Leno sparks wild gambling debt conspiracy theory as fans question his bruised face

Jay Leno has sparked a wild conspiracy theory after suffering a 60-foot fall down a hill that left him with significant bruising to the left side of his face, an eyepatch and a broken wrist.

Despite revealing that his injuries were sustained during his nasty tumble while staying at a Hampton Inn, social media users began speculating that the 74-year-old comedian, whose net worth is estimated to be around $450 million, might be lying.

Some conspiracy theorists on X (previously known as Twitter) shared a number of unsubstantiated theories that he was the victim of loan sharks, the mafia or someone he has 'dirt on.' 

Others joked that Conan O’Brien finally got his revenge on Leno following their bitter and lengthy feud involving NBC's The Tonight Show. 

'So Jay Leno got set on fire a few years ago, is staying at a Hampton Inn while being worth millions of dollars, with an eye patch, bruised up face, a broken wrist and a missing fingernail. And he wants us to believe he. . . Fell down a hill???' one X user asked.

Another tweeted: 'I have never believed a conspiracy more than Jay Leno owing massive gambling debt.'

A handful of X users also pointed out it was odd for him to be staying at a Hampton Inn, which is a more popular among budget-conscious travelers than A-list stars. 

Additionally, some conspiracy theorists pointed out that Leno has suffered from other bizarre and life-threatening injuries over the years.

'Looks like he took a punch to the skull with that shiner. Shady [as f**k],' another claimed as others said they questioned why only the left side of his face was bruised. 

One conspiracy theorist argued that there were 'holes in this story' and insisted that Leno would have 'abrasions' if he slid down a hill.  

'He's in gambling debt and the collector sent a message,' the conspiracy theorist claimed. 

Others pleaded with Leno to 'CUT THE S**T AND GO TO THE POLICE.' 

Still, one Leno fan called out the unfounded theories. 

'All of you speculating that Jay Leno took a beating from mob connected entities have no idea how “this thing” works. They don’t give beatings to major celebrities over “gambling debts”, especially those with 1,000 priceless classic cars in storage. But keep having fun with the injuries of a 74 year old man,' the upset X user wrote. 

There is no evidence to suggest Leno is in any debt or involved in anything 'strange and sinister' as suggested by some on X.

Earlier this week, Leno opened up about the incident to Inside Edition as he explained he hit a 'bunch of rocks' during his fall horrific 60-foot fall on Saturday. 

His accident came just three hours before he performed at a stand-up show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

'I broke my wrist. Lost my nail on the finger, I'm all black and blue from 60 feet of hitting rocks,' he said of his painful-looking injuries. 

One day later, he returned home to perform another show in Los Angeles on Sunday.  

In November 2022, Leno was hospitalized following the fiery explosion at his garage, where he keeps a number of vintage cars as part of a collection. 

George Swift, a mechanic in the comedian's personal garage, told ET that it was a steam car that sent Leno to the hospital.

'It was a steam car. This steam was made by gas. It got sprayed, as a gas,' Swift, a mechanic who works at the garage, said.

'He called me, and he told me there was a fire and the fire department is coming,' the employee continued.

The Burbank Fire Department then confirmed they were dispatched to the late-night host's home at around 12.30 p.m. that day, and when they arrived they assessed and treated 'one adult male.' 

Leno was then transported to a local emergency room before being transferred to the Grossman Burn Center for further care.

A spokesperson for the medical center told People at the time that Leno 'is in good humor and is touched by all the inquiries into his condition and well wishes.

'He wants to let everyone know he is doing well and is in "the best burn center in the United States."'  

Leno later issued a statement himself, saying he 'got some serious burns from a gasoline fire.'

'I am ok,' the former late-night host said. 'Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.'

He also told TMZ that it was his friend, Dave, who saved his life, by jumping on him and smothering the flames.

The host said that he was repairing a clogged fuel line when he got sprayed on his hands and face with gasoline.