The Ellen Show has always appeared to be fun, lighthearted, and heartwarming. Ellen DeGenerous has introduced the world to countless people who have done and are doing amazing things, and she has blessed them with some pretty amazing gifts too.

The show looks like so much fun that it’s possible that you may have even had the passing thought, “I bet that’s a fun place to work.” Unfortunately, it seems that there are many jobs that sound like fun until you get hired, and working at The Ellen Show is one of them for a lot of people.

According to allegations from multiple staff members, the environment behind the scenes at Ellen’s show is very toxic. Some people are blaming it on the executive producers, accusing them of being bullies, but other people, including celebrities, are pointing the finger directly at Ellen herself.

Brad Garret recently shared an article from Variety via Twitter, and he wrote, “Sorry but it comes from the top ⁦@TheEllenShow Know more than one who were treated horribly by her.⁩ Common knowledge.” Garret has been a guest on the show 6 times, so it’s possible that he has seen a glimpse of the toxic environment.

Sorry but it comes from the top ⁦@TheEllenShow Know more than one who were treated horribly by her.⁩ Common knowledge. DeGeneres Sends Emotional Apology to Staff – Variety https://t.co/D0uxOgyyre

— Brad Garrett (@RealBradGarrett) July 31, 2020

Lea Thompson agrees with Garret’s claim. She commented on his tweet writing, “True story.” In other comments, multiple people who work on the show or who know someone who has worked on the show agree with Garret as well saying that this is definitely not new news, and the toxic environment has been common knowledge for a long time. Some people even say that when they are hired on the show, they are told not to talk to Ellen if they see her.

Ellen is not staying quiet about all these claims. She sent a memo to her staff saying that she takes responsibility for any claims of misconduct, apologizes and is committed to making sure things change.

Watch the video below to learn more about the claims against Ellen and her response.

 

As shared by Variety, here is Ellen’s full memo to her staff:

Hey everybody – it’s Ellen. 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. 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.

I could not have the success I’ve had without all of your contributions. My name is on the show and everything we do and I take responsibility for that. Alongside Warner Bros, we immediately began an internal investigation and we are taking steps, together, to correct the issues. As we’ve grown exponentially, 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. Clearly some didn’t. That will now change and I’m committed to ensuring this does not happen again.

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. To think that any one of you felt that way is awful to me.

It’s been way too long, but we’re finally having conversations about fairness and justice. We all have to be more mindful about the way our words and actions affect others, and I’m glad the issues at our show were brought to my attention. I promise to do my part in continuing to push myself and everyone around me to learn and grow. It’s important to me and to Warner Bros. that everyone who has something to say can speak up and feels safe doing so.

I am so proud of the work we do and the fun and joy we all help put out in the world. I want everyone at home to love our show and I want everyone who makes it to love working on it. Again, I’m so sorry to anyone who didn’t have that experience. If not for COVID, I’d have done this in person, and I can’t wait to be back on our stage and see you all then.

Stay safe and healthy.

Love,

Ellen

Have you ever worked in a toxic work environment? Do the claims against Ellen’s show surprise you? Do you think Ellen is responsible for the environment on the show?