Frank Willard Jokes About His Arrest

It’s nothing new for celebrities to get caught in scandals (just ask Kristen Stewart), but comedian Fred Willard’s recent scandal is so embarrassing, he would probably trade places with Stewart in a heartbeat. Willard’s wife would probably be less embarrassed as well if her husband had only been caught kissing director Rupert Sanders instead of being arrested on July 18th on suspicion of committing a lewd act in an adult movie theater.

Willard understandably took a few days out of the spotlight to digest what he was being accused of and to work on his explanation. However, he was ready to face the music publically when he appeared on Jimmy Fallon Live Thursday evening.

Willard wasted no time cutting to the chase, and as soon he was seated he turned to Fallon and asked, “Jimmy, what do you want to talk about first?”

Willard continued, “You know, let me say this: It’s the last time I’m gonna listen to my wife when she says, ‘Why don’t you go and see a movie?’” Willard joked.

Fallon played along and engaged in the fun, coming up with possible titles for the film Willard had been seeing when he was arrested.

Willard did stop the joking long enough to sincerely admit that the whole situation is “an embarrassment. It’s very painful, but I’ve tried to laugh it off.”

Fallon acknowledged that his guest must be struggling with the awkward situation. “Fred, I know this must be a tough time,” Fallon said.

“It’s very embarrassing. It’s as embarrassing as hell,” the 72-year-old replied. “But let me say this: Nothing happened. I did nothing wrong. Everything is being sorted out as we speak.”

Willard’s case has been determined by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s as eligible for a diversion program that will keep him from being formally charged with lewd conduct, so long as he completes the required courses in a $380 program.

Willard’s arrest not only damaged his reputation and embarrassed him, it cost him his job. Nearly immediately after the news broke, Willard was fired from his position as the host of PBS’ Market Warriors, a competition series.

Fallon concluded the interview with support for his guest. “You’re a good man. … You’re one of my favorites,” Fallon said before jokingly adding, “You can come to our show and do whatever the heck you want, except for certain things.”