Ellen DeGeneres was emotional when she met her staff members via video conference call. The crew was told about the ousting of three executive producers of the show and the changes that will be implemented in its next season.
Variety cited multiple sources as saying DeGeneres got emotional when she addressed the more than 200 staff members of her show, following the announcement on Monday that the show parted ways with its three EPs. The Emmy winner apologized for hurting the feelings of her staff.
Ellen told them that she was not perfect. The Finding Dory star added she realized that, while they run the show smoothly, their leaders, sometimes, become insensitive to the feelings of the people who are helping them to make a great show.
DeGeneres likewise acknowledged that there were times that the show alienated its guests by changing shooting schedules on short notice. Ellen vowed to follow the agreed-upon timetables to make the production process smoother for all.
She, also, addressed the rumors that staffers and guests were told not to talk to her or even look her in the eye if they encountered her on the set or in the offices on the Warner Bros. She said it's "crazy" and "not true," but apologized to anyone who felt "disregarded" by her.
Meanwhile, The Ellen DeGeneres Show decided to let go of executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman, and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman after the investigation that was conducted concerning the allegations of "toxic environment" in the show. Veteran EPs Mary Connelly, Andy Lassner, and Derek Westervelt will remain in the show alongside DeGeneres. The show's resident DJ, Stephen "tWitch" Boss, was, also, promoted to co-executive producer.
The news about the ousted EP and changes on The Ellen DeGeneres Show was conveyed to the staff members on Monday. The sources said Connelly and Lassner, also, addressed the results of the internal investigation that was conducted by WarnerMedia on allegations of racial insensitivity, sexual misconduct, and more on the show.
The investigating team talked to more than 100 people connected to the program and they found no evidence of "systemic" racism on Ellen's show. They, however, acknowledged that the NBC daytime talk show has to take action on issues of diversity and inclusion. The Ellen DeGeneres Show has faced criticisms for a lack of diversity on its staff.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show has been confirmed to return for its Season 18. However, its staffers were told that the 18th season premiere has been pushed back to September 14.
