What’s up guys, it’s Sussan Mourad with Clevver News, and as reports of toxic and
harmful workplace culture on The Ellen Show continue to be exposed, an internal investigation
has now been launched.
Throughout the past few months, there have been an overwhelming amount of reports and
claims regarding the REAL workplace culture behind the “Be Kind” slogans that The
Ellen Show once seemed to represent.
Current and former employees have come forward sharing their unpleasant experiences while
working on the set and behind the scenes of the popular daytime talk show, including YouTuber
NikkiTutorials, who was even once a guest on the show.
Things seemed to escalate in April when many employees detailed the treatment they received,
or rather DIDN’T receive, amid the coronavirus lockdown.
Employees were left in the dark regarding paid leave, given pay cuts and even questioned
job status as the show brought on an external production company to shoot from Ellen’s
own home.
Reports continued to trickle throughout the following months, including a viral Twitter
thread from a former employee who told people that he would donate to charity every time
someone detailed a truthful negative experience with Ellen.
This thread caught the attention of thousands of shocked, and some not-so-shocked fans,
however, just last week, Buzzfeed published a report after speaking with 10 former employees,
one of which alleged that they experienced racism and intimidation on the show.
One former employee also told Buzzfeed that QUOTE, “That ‘be kind’ bullshit only
happens when the cameras are on.
It’s all for show.
I know they give money to people and help them out, but it’s for show.”
Another former employee alleged that they were fired after taking medical leave for
one month following a suicide attempt.
Negative and damaging reports only seem to be getting worse, which has now resulted in
an investigation to be conducted on the workplace and the show’s employees by WarnerMedia.
Executives from the show’s producer Telepictures and Warner Bros.
Television let staffers know last week that they have engaged WBTV-owner WarnerMedia’s
employee relations group and a third party firm, who will help interview current and
former staffers about their experiences on set.
The memo insisted that both Telepictures and Warner Bros.
Television are QUOTE, “committed to providing an environment where employees can flourish.”
No other information about the interview process has been disclosed as of yet, however, staffers
were informed that interviews will take place in the near future.
Although Ellen, herself, hasn’t been accused of any wrongdoing, many employees have stated
that if they see or pass by her in the building, they were instructed not to talk to her.
Ellen has yet to respond to any of the allegations, however, the show’s executive producers,
Andy Lassner, Ed Glavin and Mary Connelly, issued a statement saying that the show has
always “strived to create an open, safe, and inclusive work environment,” and that
they were “sorry to learn that even one person” among the 1,000-employee company
has endured a “negative experience.”
They also were quick to take the blame off of Ellen and put it onto themselves, saying
QUOTE, “For the record, the day-to-day responsibility of the Ellen show is completely on us,”
adding, “We take all of this very seriously and we realise, as many in the world are learning,
that we need to do better, are committed to do better, and we will do better.”
Fans, on the other hand, haven’t exactly been as forgiving, as many are hoping this
will change the culture of her workplace for the better.
One user wrote, “Me not feeling one ounce of sympathy for Ellen now that the Ellen DeGeneres
Show work place is being investigated after everyone spoke up about the toxic environment.”
Another person tweeted, “Mannnn when the Ellen Show is under investigation, you know
2020 is now officially cancelled.”
And one user apparently knew all along that something was off, saying, “tbh there was
always something about Ellen Degeneres that rubbed me the wrong way.”
As investigations begin, we will continue to update you on any new findings… but despite
everything going on, let’s take this as a lesson to spread a little kindness today.
To see what Ellen staffers have to say about the accusations coming to light, you can click
right over here to watch another Clevver video.
Then be sure to let me know all your thoughts on the investigations about to take place
down here in the comments.
I’m your host Sussan Mourad, bye guys!