The Ellen DeGeneres Show continues to make headlines – and Hollywood celebs are weighing in!
ICYMI, The Ellen DeGeneres Show has been the subject of controversy in recent weeks – so much so that WarnerMedia has launched an investigation to look into its current and former employees’ claims of a “toxic” work environment.
Last month, one current and 10 former employees of the Ellen DeGeneres Show spoke to Buzzfeed News about their behind-the-scenes experiences. No specific claims about Ellen herself were made, but according to the article, the producers running the show made working on the set “toxic” for many.
The show’s executive producers – Mary Connelly, Ed Glavin and Andy Lassner – have since issued a joint statement.
“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. We are truly heartbroken and sorry to learn that even one person in our production family has had a negative experience,” they said in in the joint statement. “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,” the statement added. “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.”
Last week, WarnerMedia initiated an investigation into the allegations of workplace misconduct on the set of The Ellen Show. Ellen DeGeneres herself addressed the allegations in a letter to her crew.
“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,” Ellen wrote in her letter, per Entertainment Tonight. “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.”
Several Hollywood stars have since voiced their support for Ellen, sharing their own personal experiences with the host. However, not everyone shares the same sentiments. Check out what celebs have been saying below.
Ashton Kucher (via Twitter):
“I haven’t spoken with @TheEllenShow and can only speak from my own experience. She & her team have only treated me & my team w/ respect & kindness. She never pandered to celebrity which I always saw as a refreshing honesty. When things aren’t right she handles it and fixes.”
Katy Perry (via Twitter):
“I know I can’t speak for anyone else’s experience besides my own but I want to acknowledge that I have only ever had positive takeaways from my time with Ellen & on the @theellenshow. I think we all have witnessed the light & continual fight for equality that she has brought to the world through her platform for decades. Sending you love & a hug, friend @TheEllenShow.”
Kevin Hart (via Instagram):
“It’s crazy to see my friend go thru what she’s going thru publicly. I have known Ellen for years and I can honestly say that she’s one of the dopest people on the f–king planet. She has treated my family and my team with love and respect from day 1. The internet has become a crazy world of negativity….we are falling in love with peoples [sic] down fall. It’s honestly sad…When did we get here? I stand by the ones that I know and that I love. Looking forward to the future where we get back to loving one another….this hate s–t has to stop. Hopefully it goes out of style soon….This post is not meant to disregard the feelings of others and their experiences….It’s simply to show what my experiences have been with my friend. Love you for life Ellen…”
Tony Okungbowa (via Instagram):
“Hey Guys, I hope you are all keeping safe out there during these trying times. I have been getting calls asking me about the Ellen Degeneres [sic] Show and I would like to address the time I spent there. I was on air talent from 2003-2006 and from 2007 -2013. While I am grateful for the opportunity it afforded me, I did experience and feel the toxicity of the environment and I stand with my former colleagues in their quest to create a healthier and more inclusive workplace as the show moves forward.”
Diane Keaton (via Instagram):
“I ALWAYS ENJOYED MY VISITS TO THE ELLEN SHOW. I’VE SEEN HOW THE AUDIENCE EXUDES HAPPINESS AND GRATITUDE. SHE GIVES BACK TO SO MANY INCLUDING ME.”
Brad Garrett (via Twitter):
“Sorry but it comes from the top @TheEllenShow Know more than one who were treated horribly by her.”
Scooter Braun (via Twitter):
“People love to take shots at people. They love to see people fall. How quickly so many forget. @TheEllenShow is a kind, thoughtful, courageous human being who stands for what is right and highlights on her show the best of us. She has helped change the views for equality. Needed to say this as I know firsthand how she helps so many when we are watching and when we are not. She isn’t about what is popular she is about what is right. Sending love to Ellen today.”
Jerry O’Connell (via Twitter):
“Love @TheEllenShow & @portiaderossi Always have. Always will.”
Portia De Rossie (via Instagram):
“To all our fans….we see you. Thank you for your support. #stopbotattacks.”
NIkkieTutorials (via Q&A with the Dutch publication &C):
“Call me naive, but I kind of expected to be welcomed with confetti cannons: ‘Welcome to The Ellen DeGeneres Show!’ But instead I was greeted by an angry intern who was a bit overworked. I was expecting a Disney show, but got Teletubbies after dark.”
