American Idol. However, DeGeneres is best known as the host of her daytime talk show.
Premiering in 2003, Ellen is considered one of the longest-running talk shows. Clocking in with over 2,700 episodes, Ellen has featured interviews with unforgettable and heartwarming moments on daytime TV. These include a surprise proposal for Ellen’s wardrobe assistant, Kristen Bell meeting a sloth, and Ellen funding a single mother’s college education. However, former employees of the show have declared the workplace environment was less than ideal.
Per Buzzfeed, former Ellen employees revealed that the daytime talk show created a toxic work environment. Ten former employees, opting to remain anonymous, alleged that other employees made inappropriate racial remarks, intimidation was used as a tool by direct superiors, and producers dismissed workplace complaints. Furthermore, one former employee stated, “That ‘be kind’ bulls**it only happens when the cameras are on. It’s all for show. I know they give money to people and help them out, but it’s for show.” Following the accusations, executive producers Ed Glavin, Mary Connelly, and Andy Lassner assured the public they would take the complaints very seriously and released this statement:
Over the course of nearly two decades, 3,000 episodes, and employing over 1,000 staff , we have strived to create an open, safe, and inclusive work environment. 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.
The recent allegations are not the first time the host has been in the spotlight for rumors of mistreatment. Earlier this year, comedian Kevin T. Porter took to Twitter to ask people to share their experiences of DeGeneres "being mean" and received over 2,000 replies. Other former employees raised awareness of a toxic work environment when they revealed they were fired after taking medical leave, bereavement days, and time off for funerals. Citing fear of termination as a cause for keeping silent, numerous former employees have stated the work environment doesn’t match the image the Ellen show portrays.
As it stands, the former employees have revealed that they hope DeGeneres is informed of the allegations and calls for changes in the work environment. One employee states that it is the host’s responsibility to ensure her employees are happy and that “If she wants to have her own show and have her name on the show title, she needs to be more involved to see what’s going on.” DeGeneres has created a brand that exemplifies hope, kindness, and generosity. The Ellen Show can only continue to succeed if changes are made, and the work environment reflects the principals it promotes.
Source: BuzzFeed