Ellen Addresses Toxic Workplace Allegations, Says I Take Responsibility For What Happened

Popular American host Ellen DeGeneres started the 18th season of her show on Monday and said that she and her team have addressed the toxic workplace allegations and made the requisite changes. She promised a new beginning with her latest season. She apologised to those who were affected by the toxic work environment. 

DeGeneres is a famous American comedian, television host, actress, writer and producer. She is known as one of America's most well-known comedians.  DeGeneres is the host of the show since 2003. In the monologue of her season eighteen of her daytime talk show ‘The Ellen Show’, she said “If you’re watching because you love me, thank you,” and if you’re watching because you don’t love me, welcome.”

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The New Season

On Twitter, she posted the latest video from her talk show and said, “Today we’re starting a new chapter.”

Today we’re starting a new chapter. pic.twitter.com/PvpZXnXLv5

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) September 21, 2020

DeGeneres said, “How was everybody’s summer? Mine was great! I was looking forward to talking to people directly. As you may have heard, there was an allegation of a toxic work environment at our show, and then there was an investigation. I learnt that things happened here that never should have happened. I take that very seriously, and I want to say that I am so sorry to the people who were affected. I know that I am in a position of privilege and power, and that comes with responsibility, and I take responsibility for what happens at my show.”

While commenting on the allegations of toxic work environment she said, "We have made the necessary changes and today we are starting a new chapter. There were also articles in the press and social media that said I am not who I appear to be on TV because I became known as the ‘be kind’ lady. Being known as the ‘be kind’ lady is a tricky position to be in. The truth is I am that person you see on TV. I am also a lot of other things.”

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While commenting on movies, she said, “I have played a straight woman in movies, so I am a pretty good actress. But I don’t think that I am that good that I could come out here for 17 years and fool you…I am a boss of 270 people, 270 people who help make this show what it is. All I want is for every single one of them to be happy and to be proud to work here.”

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The Ellen Show Controversy

In the summer of 2020,  reportedly her talk show faced controversy for being a toxic workplace and alleged harassment towards staff such as racial discrimination and sexual misconduct. Hedda Muskat, who worked on the sets in 2003-04, alleged about toxic work environment which was present behind the scenes and blamed DeGeneres for allowing a “culture of fear” from the show’s beginning. 

Reportedly Warner Bros. then started investigating her show in July. After investigation, DeGeneres apologised and promised to make the workplace a kind place as she had always intended. 

Sagrika Giri is an intern with SheThePeople.TV