Ellen DeGeneres Faces Accusations of Creating a Toxic Workplace
by EG
Former employees of Ellen Degeneres' talk show claim that the show's working environment was toxic. Accusations of sexual misconduct, harassment, and mistreatment abound. There are also claims from guests on the show that they were coached to stroke Ellen's ego on camera. For her part, Ellen is blaming the problems on her employees, which might be part of the problem. Read on for details.
Via Page Six.
Could Ellen DeGeneres become a canceled celeb following backlash over alleged bad behavior behind the scenes of her show?
As Warner Bros. investigates the workplace culture on “Ellen,” we’re told that producers insisted guests fawn over DeGeneres on-air. Two guests, who asked not to be named, told Page Six that while being prepped for their interview, producers demanded they stroke Ellen’s ego: “Compliment Ellen, tell her what a big fan you are.”
Of the appearance three years ago, a source added, “These guests were already fans of Ellen, big fans, but to be told you have to flatter her was really weird. You shouldn’t have to be told … If you do look at past interviews, most of the guests always gush over Ellen — whether they’re members of the public or her close friends.” There is no evidence Ellen herself insisted on this.
Australian TV host Neil Breen said Ellen’s staff were “walking on eggshells” during a 2013 appearance on his show. Breen said he was told, “No one is to talk to Ellen. You don’t talk to her, you don’t approach her, you don’t look at her.”
DeGeneres finally spoke out on Thursday, appearing to blame others on the show. “I’ve not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs … Clearly some didn’t,” she wrote. “That will now change and I’m committed to ensuring this does not happen again.” She added that after nearly losing her career when she came out as gay, “I truly … have deep compassion for those being looked at differently, or treated unfairly, not equal, or — worse — disregarded.”
Get the rest of the story at Page Six.
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