The Ellen DeGeneres Show To Address Toxic Workplace Allegations In Season 18 Premiere
September 10, 2020The Ellen DeGeneres Show will address the recent controversy surrounding the series after toxicity allegations surfaced earlier this year, in the upcoming season 18 premiere.
BuzzFeedNews released an exposé, in which one current and 10 former employees revealed that they were subject to a culture of racism, fear and intimidation, with one stating that the host’s mantra to be kind is “bullshit” and “only happens when the cameras are on.”
As ‘Gay Times’ report, a Black woman who worked on the series for over a year also stated she experienced racist comments, actions and “microaggressions”.
In July, Ellen issued a memo to her staffers after an internal investigation found “deficiencies related to the show’s day-to-day management”. Three of the show’s top producers, Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman and Jonathan Norman, also left the show.
“On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness – no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect,” she said.
“Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry. Anyone who knows me knows it’s the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show.
“As someone who was judged and nearly lost everything for just being who I am, I truly understand and have deep compassion for those being looked at differently, or treated unfairly, not equal, or – worse – disregarded. To think that any one of you felt that way is awful to me.”
She concluded the memo by saying she’s “so proud” of their work on the show and that if it weren’t for lockdown, she would have issued this apology in person.
Ellen confirmed the return date of the series, 21 September, and revealed: “I can’t wait to get back to work and back to our studio. And, yes, we’re gonna talk about it.”
In a previous statement, Warner Bros said the company and Ellen are “all committed to ensuring a workplace based on respect and inclusion,” and are “confident this course of action will lead us to the right way forward for the show.”
Read related myGwork articles here:
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
Ellen DeGeneres Sends Message Of Love And Surprises Lesbian Couple On Her Show
Keep up to date with the latest myGnews