Ellen DeGeneres sends emotional apology to staff after investigation launched
Ellen DeGeneres has apologised for the workplace culture at her talk show as an executive leaves and she promises to change how staff are treated
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Ellen DeGeneres has apologised to staff working on her show following an investigation into the workplace culture at the talk show.
The 62-year-old TV presenter has been hit by a number of allegations about how staff are treated on The Ellen DeGeneres show and she has now issued an emotional note to them all in a personal address.
Ellen said that the culture behind the scenes was not a reflection of the values which she started with on the 17-year-old show and vowed to do better in the future.
Warner Bros has also announced it will make staffing changes following an investigation into claims of a toxic work environment on the show and has promised that "appropriate measures to address the issues that have been raised."
Ellen, who is one of the most high-profile figures on US television, also apologised after an internal review found "deficiencies related to the show's day-to-day management".
It comes after a Buzzfeed News investigation made a series of claims about the alleged toxic culture on the day time talk show that has been on the air since 2003.
Ellen is known for her bubbly on-screen persona and "be kind" mantra, often taking part in lavish giveaways or acts of charity.
Buzzfeed spoke to former employees who made allegations of racism, unfair dismissal, intimidation and an overall toxic environment, perpetuated by the show's senior producers.
In a memo to staff obtained, Ellen apologised and said: "On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness - no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect.
"Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry.
"Anyone who knows me knows it's the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show."
Ellen continued to say that as the show had grown she had relied on others to "do their jobs as they knew I'd want them done".
"Clearly some didn't," she said. "That will now change and I'm committed to ensuring this does not happen again."
Ellen famously came out as gay in 1997 amid fevered media interest. She referenced the experience in her memo to staff.
She continued: "As someone who was judged and nearly lost everything for just being who I am, I truly understand and have deep compassion for those being looked at differently, or treated unfairly, not equal, or - worse - disregarded.
"To think that any one of you felt that way is awful to me."
She finished the note by saying she is "so proud" of the show and apologised again to staff.
"If not for Covid, I'd have done this in person, and I can't wait to be back on our stage and see you all then," Ellen said.
Warner Bros added: "Warner Bros and Ellen DeGeneres are all committed to ensuring a workplace based on respect and inclusion.
"We are confident this course of action will lead us to the right way forward for the show."
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