Ellen DeGeneres Addresses Toxic Workplace Allegations In First Monologue Of New Season

Ellen DeGeneres addressed allegations of a toxic production environment in the season premiere of her show as part of her opening monologue, as ‘CNN’ reports.

DeGeneres apologised to anyone who had been negatively affected while working on her staff.

“As you may have heard, this summer there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show and then there was an investigation. I learned that things happened here that never should have happened. I take that very seriously and I want to say I am so sorry to the people that were affected. I know that I am in a position of privilege and power and with that comes responsibility and I take responsibility for what happens at my show,” DeGeneres said.

She added that she is now “taking responsibility for what happens at my show.”

Several current and former staff members alleged they faced harassment, intimidation and racism.

A statement from WarnerMedia released at the time stated, “Warner Bros. and Ellen DeGeneres take the recent allegations around the show's workplace culture very seriously.”

In an email to staffers in July, DeGeneres apologised to her team and said an internal investigation was launched.

In the season premiere Monday, DeGeneres said the show has since made “the necessary changes.”

“We have had a lot of conversations over the last few weeks about the show, the workplace and what we want for the future. We have made the necessary changes and today we are starting a new chapter,” she added.

She also joked about being called the “be kind” lady, and said that's "a tricky position to be in.”

“Being known as the 'be kind' lady is a tricky position to be in,” she continued. “So let me give you some advice out there if anybody's thinking of changing their title or giving yourself a nickname, do not go with the 'be kind' lady. Don't do it. The truth is I am that person that you see on TV.”

Watch her opening monologue below:

Read related myGwork articles here:

The Ellen DeGeneres Show To Address Toxic Workplace Allegations In Season 18 Premiere

Three Top Producers Leave The Ellen Show After Internal Investigation

‘Ellen DeGeneres Show’ Under Investigation After Accusations Of Racism And Intimidation On The Show

Kate McKinnon Talks About Coming Out In Golden Globes, Praises Ellen DeGeneres

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