Ellen DeGeneres has addressed the allegations made by current and former employees about a “toxic” workplace environment in an internal letter sent to the show’s staff. She wrote an apology to the staff members as Warner Media investigated the show.
One of the first Television stars who came out as gay in 1997 with the words “Yep, I’m gay”, Ellen hosts a Daytime morning show by her name called The Ellen DeGeneres Show in which she interacts with her audience and celebrities in her own unique way besides witnessing various stunts by comedic, musical and cinematic personalities.
Article by BuzzFeed News:
A bombshell article published by BuzzFeed News reported that some of the ex-members of the show’s staff and current members have faced “racism, fear and intimidation” at work. They further said that they could be fired for taking time off for medical reasons or for funerals. They laid most of the blame on three executive producers named Ed Gavin, Mary Connelly, and Andy Lassner.
One ex-worker complained that she left because of the comments made on her face saying that she experienced microaggressions from the management team. The internal investigation was first reported by Variety News stating that several steps are being made to make staffing changes and implement other steps, the studio said.
According to Variety News, an internal memo was sent to the employees of The Ellen DeGeneres Show last week where Warner Bros. interviewed them about their experiences on set. All the claims said that the workplace atmosphere is “toxic and hostile” unlike the Ellen DeGeneres Show’s mantra which has always been “Be Kind”.
The complete apology letter by Ellen:
Ellen herself acknowledged the whole situation stating that this did not reflect the values with which she started the show 17 years ago. She pledged to do better as she wrote in a letter addressed to her staff members which were received by The New York Times via email:
“Hey everybody- It’s Ellen. 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. 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.”
“I could not have the success I’ve had without all of your contributions. My name is on the show and everything we do and I take responsibility for that. Alongside Warner Bros, we immediately began an internal investigation and we are taking steps, together, to correct the issues. As we’ve grown exponentially, I’ve not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I’d want them done. Clearly some didn’t. That will change and I’m ensuring this does not happen again.”
“I’m also learning that people who work with me and for me are speaking on my behalf and misrepresenting who I am and that has to stop. As someone who was judged and nearly lost everything for 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 anyone of you felt that way is awful to me.”
She further wrote that “It’s been way too long but we’re finally having conversations about fairness and justice. We all have to be more mindful about the way our words and actions affect others, and I’m glad the issues at our show were brought to my attention. I promise to do my part in continuing to push myself and everyone around me to learn and grow. It’s important to me and to Warner Bros. that everyone who has something to say can speak up and feels safe doing so.”
She concluded the letter by adding, “I am so proud of the work we do and the fun and the joy we all help put out in the world. I want everyone who makes it to love working on it. Again I’m so sorry to anyone who didn’t have that experience. If not for COVID, I’d have done this in person, and I can’t wait to be back on our stage and see you all then.”In the end, we wished everyone to stay safe and healthy.
