This archive report was first published on 24 August 2020.
August 24, 2020, marked a tumultuous day for the Ellen DeGeneres Show as three senior producers, Ed Glavin, Jonathan Norman, and Kevin Leman, were fired amidst allegations of a toxic culture on set.
According to a report by BuzzFeed News, workers claimed to have worked in an environment characterized by 'racism, fear, and intimidation.'
Ellen DeGeneres, 62, has been at the center of the controversy, with some accusing her of fostering a culture of fear and intimidation. In a recent conference call with over 200 employees, she attributed her introverted nature as the reason she may come across as mean, insisting she is not.
DeGeneres has also denied rumors that she banned employees from making eye contact with her, apologizing for offending anyone and the negative attention the show has received.
In a statement to employees, she took 'full responsibility' for the issues on the show, citing her inability to stay on top of everything as the show grew in popularity and stature. She vowed to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
As the show's host, DeGeneres has promised to address her fans and tackle the allegations head-on. However, it remains unclear how she plans to do so, and whether she will continue to host the show or be replaced.
