Ellen DeGeneres Show fires three top producers over toxic workplace allegations
The Ellen DeGeneres Show has fired three of its top producers following recent toxic workplace allegations.
As first reported by Variety, Ellen herself announced in a video conference with the show's crew on Monday (August 17) that executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman will not be returning to the series.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros also confirmed the trio had "parted ways" with the show.
Their dismissal comes after complaints of an unprofessional workplace were made by several current and former Ellen employees who claimed they had faced racism, and been intimidated on the show behind the scenes.
In response to claims of sexual harassment, Leman previously denied "any kind of sexual impropriety" in a statement to Buzzfeed News, while Norman also declared he was "100% categorically denying these allegations". Glavin has not responded to requests for comment at the time of writing.
Leman had said: "I have always aimed to treat everyone on the staff with kindness, inclusivity and respect. In my whole time on the show, to my knowledge, I've never had a single HR or inter-personal complaint made about me."
In Norman's statement, he declared: "I have never had a single complaint against me in my career. I have never 'groomed' anyone. I have never done anything to harm another staff member. Ever."
Related: Ellen DeGeneres faces backlash for making jail and "gay" joke about quarantine
An internal investigation into The Ellen DeGeneres Show is still ongoing.
Elsewhere, The Ellen DeGeneres Show's current and former DJs Stephen tWitch and Tony Okungbowa weighed in separately on the toxic workplace claims in recent weeks.
The host herself previously sent a memo to staff promising that she is "committed to ensuring this does not happen again".
Remaining The Ellen DeGeneres Show executive producer Andy Lassner has also publicly denied that the show is going to be cancelled.
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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