Leno: Conan's Been a Gent

Jay Leno turned peacemaker in the late-night wars last night, insisting that he bears Conan O'Brien no ill-will and blaming the mess on NBC's original decision to replace him on the Tonight Show. He never did like the idea of the 10pm show, he said, but NBC wouldn't let him go elsewhere, and he wanted to keep his staff employed. "Through all of this, Conan O’Brien has been a gentleman," Leno said. "He’s a good guy. I have no animosity towards him." The sentiment may or may not be reciprocated.

Leno told viewers that he might have an announcement today about a final settlement with O'Brien and his expected return to the Tonight Show, People reports. After a few serious minutes, he went back into monologue mode. "Conan O'Brien and I won a Golden Globe for Best Late Night Drama," he quipped. "Very excited about that." (More Jay Leno Conan O'Brien stories.)