Warner media has initiated an investigation into alleged workplace misconduct on the set of the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
The decision followed the publication of a story from an online news portal called Buzzfeed, that detailed accusations of racism, unjust termination and an overall toxic work culture on July 16.
The Buzzfeed story reported on former employees’ allegations of inappropriate comments, retribution for bringing up concerns about problematic language, receiving pushback for taking time off work to attend funerals or take medical leave, and a “culture of fear” on the show.
Executive producers Ed Glavin, Mary Connelly and Andy Lassner said in a statement that they strived to create an open, safe and inclusive work environment. They said that they were deeply saddened to learn that even one person had a negative experience and that this was not the mission Ellen has set for the people in the company.
They also said that the responsibility of Ellen show is completely on the producers and they will strive to do better in the future.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show has been a daytime talk staple since its debut in 2003. The show, which is in its 17th season, has garnered more than 171 Daytime Emmy Award nominations and 61 wins, including four for outstanding talk show and seven for outstanding talk show entertainment.
To this day, the talk show remains a top performer in its field, with roughly 2.5 million daily viewers.
