WarnerMedia has initiated an investigation into alleged workplace misconduct on the set of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, sources confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
The decision followed the publication of a story from Buzzfeed that detailed accusations of racism, unjust termination and an overall toxic work culture on July 16.
Warner Bros. and Telepictures declined comment.
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 to take medical leave and a “culture of fear” on the show.
In a statement from executive producers Ed Glavin, Mary Connelly and Andy Lassner to Buzzfeed upon the publication of its article, the producers said, “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,” they said. “We are truly heartbroken and sorry to learn that even one person in our production family has had a negative experience. It’s not who we are and not who we strive to be, and not the mission Ellen has set for us.”
They added, “For the record, the day to day responsibility of the Ellen show is completely on us. 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.”ter
(Excerpt) Read more in: The Hollywood Reporter