Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ellen DeGeneres to break silence over ‘toxic’ workplace allegations: ‘I will be talking to my fans’

Staff on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ have been told they should ‘not be afraid’ of returning to work

 

Isobel Lewis
Monday 24 August 2020 16:00 BST
Comments
Ellen DeGeneres makes fun of Sofía Vergara on her show

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ellen DeGeneres will discuss allegations of a “toxic” work environment on the set of her daily talk show.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show is currently amid an internal investigation following claims of sexual misconduct, racism and workplace bullying on set, with emails sent to staff promising changes would be made in “the show’s day-to-day management”.

Following the departure of top producers Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman and Jonathan Normal, DeGeneres was asked by the MailOnline how she felt their departures would benefit the show and its fans.

“I will be talking to my fans,” DeGeneres replied, suggesting that the show would not shy away from the scandal when the series returned for its 18th season in September.

Alongside a staffing reshuffle, employees have been offered extended holiday and time off, while also being told they should “not be afraid” of returning to work.

‘The Ellen Degeneres Show’ is expected to return to US TV in September
‘The Ellen Degeneres Show’ is expected to return to US TV in September (Getty Images)

While DeGeneres herself was not officially implicated in the allegations made about the show’s culture, the 62-year-old comedian admitted to “letting the ball drop a bit”.

However, a number of ex-employees have accused the host of being “mean”, while one radio executive claimed he was told “not to look” at DeGeneres during a 2013 interview.

DeGeneres denied these reports during a call with staff, branding them “crazy”.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in