Three top producers of the Ellen DeGeneres Show have been fired amid allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment. Ellen DeGeneres announced the
Three top producers of the Ellen DeGeneres Show have been fired amid allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment.
Ellen DeGeneres announced the overhaul in a video meeting with staff, and said an internal investigation was under way. In a message to staff she said she was “so sorry for what this has become.”
The departures follow investigations by journalists into claims of bullying and intimidation on set.
A spokesperson for Warner Brothers confirmed the show has “parted ways” with executive producers, Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman, and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman.
In a story published earlier this year, several former employees recalled the racism they experienced while working on the show, which has won over 60 Emmy Awards since it first aired in 2003.
Others accused Glavin of inappropriate touching, and leading with intimidation and fear. Leman and Norman were also accused of sexual harassment by former staff. Leman denied “any kind of sexual impropriety,” and Norman said he was “100% categorically denying these allegations.” Glavin has not publicly responded to the claims.
DeGeneres initially distanced herself from the claims of a toxic work environment, saying in an email to staff that she had been “misrepresented” by “people who work with me and for me”. But she apologised to staff and said she was “glad the issues were brought to her attention”.
A host of celebrities, including singer Katy Perry and comedian Kevin Hart, have spoken out in support of the chat show host. However, other stars have supported the claims made against her programme, among them ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ actor Brad Garrett.
In an email to staff, David McGuire, executive vice president of programming at Warner Brothers, said the studio was “absolutely committed” to “change and a new culture.
“Many of you have spoken with WarnerMedia’s investigators, and we thank you for your honesty,” he added, according to Buzzfeed News. “I hope this note is another way we are showing our commitment to do better.”
