Ellen DeGeneres TV show to make workplace changes after probe of culture

 

77th Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals - Beverly Hills, California, U.S., January 5, 2020 - Ellen DeGeneres. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/Files

 

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Ellen DeGeneres on Thursday sent an emotional message to the staff of her television talk show saying she was taking steps to improve the culture on set following accusations of a hostile working environment.

 

The email followed an internal investigation by Warner Bros. Television, which produces "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," of complaints ranging from bullying to racism among production staff.

 

Warner Bros. Television said in a statement that although "not all of the allegations were corroborated, we are disappointed that the primary findings of the investigation indicated some deficiencies related to the show’s day-to-day management."

 

It said several staffing changes and other measures were being implemented, but did not give details.

 

The allegations, which were made by several former staff members in a BuzzFeed article earlier in July, painted a radically different view of life behind the cameras from the upbeat and positive vibe presented by DeGeneres on the show.

 

"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," DeGeneres wrote in an email to staff that was made available to reporters.

 

"Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case," she added.

 

DeGeneres, whose show has won dozens of awards in its 17 years on the air, also referred to criticism that has been leveled at her personally in recent media reports.

 

"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," she added.

 

She said she was glad that her production team was "finally having conversations about fairness and justice. We all have to be more mindful about the way our words and actions affect others."

 

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant and Lisa Richwine; Editing by Aurora Ellis)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-08-01

 

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Nasty piece of work this one.

 

 

I remember hearing rumors about how she treated people, didn't actually see it being true. I don't know if she can come back from this to be honest. 

55 minutes ago, 4reaL said:

Nasty piece of work this one.

There's absolutely nothing likeable about her.  

Are talk shows still a thing outside US? Never been a fan of them, Ellen's I have seen about half a dozen one minute clips from and that was more than enough.

The biggest crime is she's annoying and not funny.

she wouldn't even make it as The Elected One on planet Angel One in ST:TNG! 

 

 

Portia would Defect...

11 hours ago, JohnnyNJoy said:

I remember hearing rumors about how she treated people, didn't actually see it being true. I don't know if she can come back from this to be honest. 

Noticed several she was very abrupt/rude to the support staff who occasionally appear on camera.

 

A while back during lockdown her shows very from her house with 1, sometimes 2 support staff outside the house in her garden but seen through large glass floor to ceiling windows. One of the support staff was tasked (part of the scripting) to discuss some things with her through the glass but often she just rudely put the guy down. 

 

Changed my impression of her.

2 hours ago, scorecard said:

Noticed several she was very abrupt/rude to the support staff who occasionally appear on camera.

 

A while back during lockdown her shows very from her house with 1, sometimes 2 support staff outside the house in her garden but seen through large glass floor to ceiling windows. One of the support staff was tasked (part of the scripting) to discuss some things with her through the glass but often she just rudely put the guy down. 

 

Changed my impression of her.

 

I'm surprised she hasn't "transitioned" before now. 

I cannot stand this woman, if indeed that is what she is. She is not at all talented, not at all funny, not a good show host, in fact, I'm not sure what she is for at all.  It surprises me not at all to hear that she is also a bully. 

13 hours ago, DrTuner said:

Are talk shows still a thing outside US? Never been a fan of them, Ellen's I have seen about half a dozen one minute clips from and that was more than enough.

Graham Norton in the UK is hilarious, great guests too and he knows how to get the best out of them. 

Gosh what a pity---I am going those to miss those in Depth interviews ........

Quote

The biggest crime is she's annoying and not funny.

Should fit right in on TV ThaiVisa then.

 

Also speculation that 'Smithy' will take over as host.

 

So not a very gay place to work then

Oh, she’s “learning” that something has changed! That’s funny! That’s like saying the lion has “learned” that he’s the one who does all the killing! 

Lot of money at stake. If at all possible the show will go on. She invented a persona that she plays and people seem to like it. It's an act she does for $80 million a year.

I read last year that Lorraine Kelly is a bit like that too, very very domineering.

On 8/1/2020 at 7:49 AM, 4reaL said:

Nasty piece of work this one.

 

 

Yikes, this pic will haunt me for a while OMG.