Ellen Degeneres Breaks Silence On Alleged Toxic Work Environment Allegations

BYErika Marie8.8K Views
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Ellen Degeneres, Letter, Investigation

Ellen Degeneres finally speaks out on the accusations that her show is a toxic work environment.

Fans believed that The Ellen Degeneres Show was the happiest workplace environment until employees began to step forward with accusations of racism, discrimination, and intimidation. Buzzfeed even penned an exposé about what it was like behind the scenes of the popular daytime talk show, causing WarnerMedia to call up a third-party to investigate the allegations. Ellen has remained tight-lipped about the accusations, but on Thursday (July 30), a letter she reportedly sent out to her staffers leaked online.

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Ellen Degeneres reportedly wrote that she aimed for her show to be a "place of happiness" where "everyone would be treated with respect." She stated that she's unhappy to learn this isn't the case and because her "name is on the show" she will "take responsibility for that." Ellen also recognized WarnerMedia's investigation and implied that she was fully cooperating. 

"I've not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I'd want them done, " Ellen wrote. "I'm also learning that people who work with me and for me are speaking on my behalf and misrepresenting who I am and that has to stop. 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." Ellen added she would never want anyone to experience that.

Read through the letter in full below.

About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.