Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show is reportedly the subject of an investigation by WarnerMedia. The news of the investigation follows numerous workplace complaints from present and former staff members.
The Investigation
Variety reported that Telepictures executives and the show’s distributor, Warner Bros. Television sent out a memo to staff concerning the investigation. “WBTV-owner WarnerMedia’s employee relations group and a third-party firm, who will interview current and former staffers about their experiences on set,” sources told the outlet.
Ellen DeGeneres Show Conduct Reports
Earlier this month, Buzzfeed published a lengthy article with stories from numerous current and former staff members concerning the work environment. The report detailed alleged abuse and intimidation from higher-ranking staff members.
“That ‘be kind’ bullshit only happens when the cameras are on. It’s all for show,” one former employee told the outlet. “I know they give money to people and help them out, but it’s for show.”
“Whenever I brought up an issue to my white male boss, he would bring up some random story about some random Black friend that he had and how they managed to get over stuff,” another person claimed. “He would use his Black friend as some way to say, ‘I understand your struggle.’ But it was all performative bulls–t.”
What Producers Had to Say
The Ellen Show‘s producers Ed Glavin, Mary Connelly and Andy Lassner commented on the allegations to USA Today.
“Over the course of nearly two decades, 3,000 episodes, and employing over 1000 staff members, we have strived to create an open, safe, and inclusive work environment. We are truly heartbroken and sorry to learn that even one person in our production family has had a negative experience,” their statement read. “It’s not who we are and not who we strive to be, and not the mission Ellen has set for us.
Additionally, they explained that DeGeneres was not involved in the allegations. “For the record, the day to day responsibility of the Ellen show is completely on us,” they continued. “We take all of this very seriously and we realize, as many in the world are learning, that we need to do better, are committed to do better, and we will do better.”
