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Ellen DeGeneres offers staff extra perks amid workplace scandal
The Ellen DeGeneres Show has reportedly offered up something of an olive branch to staff, just weeks after it was revealed that the show is under investigation following multiple allegations of its “toxic work environment”.
According to Page Six, the show has given staff an additional five days paid leave, including paid leave for birthdays and for medical appointments and family matters.
The publication reports that executive producers Andy Lassner and Mary Connelly delivered the news to staff this week, just after Ellen’s emotional apology to the workers.
Earlier this week it was revealed that three producers from the daytime TV show have been fired.
A spokesperson for Warner Brothers confirmed the show has “parted ways” with executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman, and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman, Variety reports.
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Back in July, it was reported that WarnerMedia is believed to have launched an internal investigation of the show, with a third party firm reportedly being hired to interview current and former staff about their experiences while working on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Allegations from current and former employees include claims of being fired after taking medical leave or bereavement days, facing microaggressions and a culture of bullying and favouritism by executive producers.
No specific claims were made against Ellen, although some staff claimed they were told not to speak to the TV presenter and comedian if she was in the office and not to make eye contact with her.
On her Zoom call to staff this week, Page Six reports Ellen was shocked to hear of the alleged rule to not look her in the eye, saying: “I don’t know where it started. Please talk to me. Look me in the eye.”
At this stage Ellen herself, as well as long-running executive producers Mary Connelly, Andy Lassner and Derek Westervelt, will continue in their positions on the show, with the start date for the 18th season currently set for September 14.
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