WarnerMedia Launches Probe Into Workplace Misconduct Allegations Against “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”

WarnerMedia has launched an investigation into The Ellen DeGeneres Show after workplace misconduct claims.

For the past year and a half, a slew of allegations have surfaced, claiming that employees at The Ellen DeGeneres Show suffer from a hostile, racist, and unpleasant work environment. Now, WarnerMedia is looking at the reports, according to sources who spoke with The Hollywood Reporter.

This comes after a story was published by Buzzfeed that included details about accusations of racism, wrongful termination, and just an overall toxic work environment, THR writes. The company decided on the probe on July 16, and since then, Warner Bros. and Telepictures have declined to comment. Some of the allegations include workers being fired for taking days to attend funerals and taking medical leave, and others say there was a “culture of fear” that was pushed on the show.

“Over the course of nearly two decades, 3,000 episodes, and employing over 1000 staff members, we have strived to create an open, safe, and inclusive work environment,” said Ed Galvin, Mary Connelly, and Andy Lassner in a statement, regarding the Buzzfeed article. “We are truly heartbroken and sorry to learn that even one person in our production family has had a negative experience. It’s not who we are and not who we strive to be, and not the mission Ellen has set for us.”

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“For the record, the day to day responsibility of the Ellen show is completely on us. We take all of this very seriously, and we realize, as many in the world are learning, that we need to do better, are committed to do better, and we will do better,” they continued.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show has been on air since 2003 and in its 17th season has earned more than 171 Daytime Emmy Award nominations, and 61 wins, including four for outstanding talk show and seven for outstanding talk show entertainment, THR reports.