Popular host Ellen DeGeneres came close to being unemployed when allegations of workplace harassment grazed her in the public eye.
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Since then, the star has struggled to pick up the pieces in the hope of keeping her reputation intact. Back on a scandal which, in recent months, has caused a lot of talk.
For almost 20 years, Ellen DeGeneres has received daily guests on the show that bears her name. While viewers have witnessed a few awkward interviews over the years, the allegations that have emerged on social media lately are of another caliber. The one who advocates the virtues of kindness is accused of having maintained a toxic working climate on her own set. Here are the key dates that punctuated this scandal.
March 20, 2020
Comedian Kevin T. Porter hits the ball on Twitter by inviting Internet users to share their anecdotes about the wickedness of Ellen DeGeneres, whom he accuses of being “known as one of the meanest people around. “. Testimonies abound; a former employee says she was not allowed to look the host in the eye …
April 16, 2020
An article in “Variety” magazine reveals that employees of the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” are on their own during the pandemic. Barely know they can expect a big pay cut when they find that producers have hired contractors to record the show from the host’s residence.
July 16, 2020
The BuzzFeed News site publishes a disturbing article in which several employees anonymously denounce the behavior of the producers of the show. They say the prevailing climate of fear, fueled by bosses’ intimidation and racism, makes the work environment toxic. Witnesses say they were fired after sick leave or bereavement.
July 27, 2020
WarnerMedia, which produces the show, is launching an internal investigation to shed light on the allegations. In particular, managers will have to meet current employees, but also those who have resigned. Producers Ed Glavin, Mary Connelly and Andy Lassner issue joint statement in which they take responsibility for the work climate.
July 30, 2020
“Entertainment Weekly” finds a letter written by Ellen DeGeneres to her employees. “With our exponential growth, I couldn’t manage everything and relied on other people to do their jobs the way I wanted them to do. Obviously, some did not do it, ”recognizes the host, promising changes. On the same day, 36 former employees of the show claim to have been victims of harassment, sexual misconduct and touching by producers Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman and Jonathan Norman.
Some artists were not shy to confirm the words of those who criticized the host for not being as nice as she says she is …
Mariah carey
The singer recently reconsidered the unease she felt in 2008 when Ellen DeGeneres nearly forced her to reveal her pregnancy on air, unrestrainedly insisting that she have a glass of champagne. “I was very uncomfortable and had a hard time living with the consequences,” she told the Vulture website.
Brad garrett
On July 31, the star of the sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond” claimed on Twitter that she did not believe a word of the host’s letter of apology. “I know more than one person she has treated horribly. It’s common knowledge, ”wrote the comedian.
Lea thompson
The one we knew in the “Back to the Future” film trilogy was content to support the words of Brad Garrett, without giving more details. “It’s a true story!” she commented, “retweeting” her colleague’s words.
Tony Okungbowa
The actor and musician certainly knows the facts, having worked as a DJ on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” for almost 10 years. On August 4, he spoke on Instagram. “I have experienced and felt the toxicity of the work environment, and I support my former colleagues.”
Artists have stood up for the host in recent months. Here’s what a few of them said.
Portia de Rossi
It goes without saying that the actress gave her unwavering support to the one she married in 2008. On August 3, she posted on Instagram a blue square on which it was simply written: “I support Ellen.” She was also present in the studio during the filming of the first show of the new season of the “Ellen DeGeneres Show”.
Katy Perry
“I think we are all witnesses to the light she shines and the continual fight for equality that she leads around the world through her platforms, and has been for decades. I am sending you love and a hug, my friend, ”the singer wrote on Twitter on August 4th.
Ashton kutcher
The actor maintained on Twitter to have always been treated well by the host and his team during his appearances on the show. “This kindness extended to people with whom she did not even know that I was working,” he replied on August 4 to an Internet user who stressed that his star status had perhaps saved him the worst.
Diane keaton
On August 4, the star posted on Instagram an image from a stint on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” claiming to have only fond memories of the recordings. “I saw the public’s happiness and gratitude. She gives back to so many people, including me, ”said the actress.
Shortly before the show returned to the air, Ellen DeGeneres again apologized to her employees during a most emotional video conference. The star has notably claimed to experience ups and downs, attributing her occasional reserve to appearing cold.
“Does that mean I’m perfect?” No. I have many facets and I try to be the best person possible and to learn from my mistakes ”, she would have said according to“ Entertainment Weekly ”.
The host also informed her team of the departure of producers Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman and Jonathan Norman. Employees will now have the right to better working conditions, particularly in terms of sick leave and overtime.
After fearing to lose his show, DeGeneres wanted to do the right thing for his return to the air, which took place on September 21. The 62-year-old took the bull by the horns as she broached the subject in her opening monologue.
“I learned that things had happened that should never have happened. I take this very seriously. And I want to tell the people who have suffered from it how sorry I am. I know I am in a privileged position, but with this privilege comes a responsibility, ”she admitted, saying she was optimistic for the future.
“We talked a lot about the show, the working environment and what we want for the future. We have made the required changes. Today we are starting a new chapter. ”