Ellen DeGeneres Addresses Allegations in Letter to Staff, Takes Responsibility & Vows to 'Correct the Issues'

Ellen DeGeneres is speaking out in response to the allegations that have been made about an alleged “toxic culture” that has developed behind the scenes at her talk show.

THR has obtained a letter that Ellen sent to her staff in response to the recent BuzzFeed article that detailed allegations from one current and ten former employees of the show.

After the allegations were made, WarnerMedia launched an investigation into what is happening at the show.

Ellen is taking responsibility for the alleged toxic culture since the show bears her name and she has vowed to “correct the issues” moving forward. (Scroll down to read the full letter)

“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,” Ellen wrote in the letter. “That will now change and I’m committed to ensuring this does not happen again.”

Ellen also addressed those who felt discriminated against while working on her show.

“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,” she wrote.

THR is reporting that executive producer Ed Glavin, who was the subject of some of the allegations, is going to be let go from the show. A source said, “Once he’s out, it will be like a new day.” Others are expected to be let go as well.

Click inside to read the letter in full…

ELLEN DEGENERES’ LETTER TO 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