Ellen DeGeneres Accused Of Fostering ‘Toxic Work Environment’, Gets Support From Katy Perry, Kevin Hart, Others
Humanitarian and TV show host, Ellen DeGeneres has been at the centre of controversies over allegations from former “Ellen DeGeneres” show workers about toxic work culture.
DeGeneres has faced backlash over the years for being allegedly ‘cold’ and ‘unfriendly’ to employees, fans, and fellow celebrities.
However, in an explosive expose that resurfaced in 2020, workers have claimed that they were mistreated by both producers and other staff members, citing experiences of racism and intimidation.
They alleged that the ‘be kind’ mantra that DeGeneres is well known for only existed when the cameras were rolling.
A former staff who spoke with BuzzFeed stated:
That ‘be kind’ only happens when the cameras are on. It is all for show. I know they give money to people and help them out, but it is for a show.
Other staffers who spoke anonymously alleged they were told to take down their GoFundMe page for medical costs not covered by the company’s health insurance over concerns that it might affect DeGeneres’ brand.
There have also been allegations that employees are fired for taking medical leave or bereavement days to attend family funerals.
However, none of the allegations made have been directly made against DeGeneres herself but she has been in the eye of the storm for not taking responsibility for the brand that bears her name.
Though, she has since sent a letter of apology to staff over the alleged toxic environment, this has not stopped accusations that DeGeneres contributed to the said work toxicity.
American-British actor and DJ, Tony Okungbowa, who was the resident DJ on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” for several years, has on Tuesday spoken up about the workplace misconduct, saying he experienced “toxicity” on the set.
Okungbowa, who is of Nigerian descent, shared his thoughts in a social media post, saying he stands with his former co-workers who have spoken out about alleged racism, intimidation, sexual misconduct and harassment from executives on the show.
Since the allegations resurfaced, the 62-year-old talk show host issued a grovelling apology amid news that an extensive internal investigation is underway.
A number of celebrities and friends have now thrown their support behind DeGeneres, even as the show has been rocked by floundering ratings since the revelations came to light.
Singer, Katy Perry was one of the first to stand up for DeGeneres through a social media post on Tuesday.
She wrote;
1/2 I know I can’t speak for anyone else’s experience besides my own but I want to acknowledge that I have only ever had positive takeaways from my time with Ellen & on the @theellenshow. I think we all have witnessed the light & continual fight for equality that she has brought
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) August 4, 2020
2/2 to the world through her platform for decades. Sending you love & a hug, friend @TheEllenShow ♥️
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) August 4, 2020
Actor Kevin Hart expressed sympathy towards his friend and also testified to how amazing she has been to him over the years.
Actor, Ashton Kutcher tweeted that he and his team had always been treated with kindness by DeGeneres and that she ‘never pandered to celebrity’.
I haven’t spoken with @TheEllenShow and can only speak from my own experience. She & her team have only treated me & my team w/ respect & kindness. She never pandered to celebrity which I always saw as a refreshing honesty. When things aren’t right she handles it and fixes.
— ashton kutcher (@aplusk) August 5, 2020
Diane Keaton, Alec and Hilaria Baldwin and Scooter Braun and many others have shared pleasant experiences they have had with DeGeneres.
