Ellen DeGeneres and several producers were sad about the “toxic workplace” complaints they received. The host said that she failed to make the set a happy workplace for everyone.
However, a new report from BuzzFeed News revealed that a similar concern was raised in 2018, so the Ellen Show bosses were aware of the issue.
Ellen DeGeneres Show received a toxic workplace complaint in 2018
One current and one former employee told BuzzFeed News that there was a complaint filed in 2018 about alleged gender discrimination and sexist remarks made by top producers.
The outlet did not name the union at the request of both sources who cited fear of retribution. A representative of the union also did not respond for comment.
Meanwhile, one former employee blamed DeGeneres and the other bosses of the show for the issues they face today.
“This should’ve never happened to begin with. It should’ve never gotten to the point where these people were unchecked and had that kind of power,” the former staffer said.
“It starts at the top. It starts with Ellen, it starts with Warner Bros., and the culture they create and the culture they allow.”
The Ellen Show 2018 complaint confirmed
A spokesperson for the Ellen DeGeneres Show distributor Warner Bros. confirmed the 2018 complaint in a statement. However, it added that “there is nothing new or noteworthy about the issue.”
“It was investigated by an outside investigator and resolved with no merit to claims of gender discrimination,” the spokesperson explained per BuzzFeed News.
“As previously stated, we are committed to changing the things that need to change and moving forward in a constructive and positive way.”
The Ellen Show investigation update
On Monday, David McGuire, executive vice president of programming at Warner Bros, sent the employees an update about the investigation via email. The letter revealed that the investigation is still ongoing, but it is “nearing its conclusion.”
Meanwhile, The Ellen DeGeneres Show will be giving their employees new perks and benefits after the complaints it received. The staff will receive increased paid time off and a liberal medical leave policy, a source told Variety.
The employees will receive five paid days off, birthdays off, and paid time when they need to visit doctors or attend family matters.
The changes could be the show’s response after several ex-staffers said they lost their job for taking medical leave or bereavement days. The former employees said it was difficult to leave their job even if they had valid reasons.
“That’s the definition of a toxic work environment, where they make you feel like you’re going insane and then you’re like, no, everything I was feeling was right. It was all leading up to this,” the former staffer, whose story was corroborated by five former employees and medical records, said.
The Ellen Show also fired three of its top executive producers amid the investigation.