In what Warner Bros. likely hopes will be the end of a PR nightmare, The Ellen DeGeneres Show has fired three of its senior producers. During a several-month saga that seemingly started with comedian Kevin T. Porter asking Twitter for their worst Ellen stories for charity, Ellen Show employees have come forward with increasingly alarming allegations not only against Ellen herself, but the entire senior staff of the long-running talk show.

Things started off with stories supporting existing rumors that Ellen was mean to everyone, particularly her employees, refused to speak with crew members, made ridiculous demands during guest spots on other shows, and would exhibit arbitrary targeting of powerless subordinates. This news was surprising to some as Ellen isn't just a talk show host; she's also an LGBT rights icon with a previously unshakeable image as a shining symbol of kindness. Celebrity friends and fans alike came to her defense, but then came the allegations of a toxic work environment, which are much harder to ignore.

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Variety reported an internal investigation was being orchestrated at The Ellen Show, and have now come out with the results. Executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman, as well as co-executive producer Jonathan Norman, have all been removed. Glavin and Leman, in particular, were subjects of numerous sexual harassment allegations by former staff, and the responsibility for equally prevalent accusations of racism onset has been rested on the now-ousted trio.

Ellen Hosts The Show

The official investigation found no concrete evidence of systemic racism at The Ellen Show, but just to be safe, the entire staff (including Ellen) has agreed to diversity and inclusion workshops after another round of apologies. Additionally, Ellen Show DJ Stephen "tWitch" Boss has been promoted to co-executive producer.

This is the move Warner Bros. has decided upon to save face and quell the backlash against their show. Fans were at one point worried Ellen herself might be removed after her public apology was met with a lukewarm response. In the age of internet outrage, companies have been less and less defensive of their celebrity employees, and it seemed briefly like even the mighty Ellen Show could be subject to the initiative. While that doesn't look to be the case anymore, The Ellen Show may not be entirely done with its PR campaign to regain its place as a kind and friendly daytime TV show.

Warner Bros. has refused to comment on the investigation's specific proceedings and will address their HR issues by adding a "complaints hotline" to their resource network. It's a far cry now from that time in April when the show was only in hot water for their negligent treatment of employees during the Coronavirus pandemic. Whatever comes next, The Ellen DeGeneres Show will be heavily scrutinized for workplace environment improvement. "Being kind" might not be enough to make up for all this.

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Source: Variety