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Ellen DeGeneres Offers Apology As She and Her Talk Show Remain Under Fire

Photo: JPI

On Thursday, Ellen DeGeneres served up an apology to former and current staff and crew members of her ever-popular daytime talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

After many complaints were brought to light by former employees of the show about the culture of the work-place behind the scenes, WarnerMedia is now handling its own internal investigation of the show.  It all began when BuzzFeed’s widely-circulated piece had former employees’ anonymous accusations of racism, intimidation, unjust termination and an overall toxic work culture, perpetuated by the show’s top producers.

In a memo, DeGeneres expressed that now that the issues were brought to her attention, they are taking steps to ensure to correct them moving forward.   While neither she nor Warner Brothers will comment on the fate of specific employees, two sources had revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that executive producer Ed Glavin — one of the show’s three EPs, and the one at the center of many of the more unsavory claims is among those who will be let go

Ellen let everyone associated with the show that she would have delivered this message on-camera on her show, if not for COVID-19, where everyone on the staff and the crew would have been present.   What she wrote is below:

DeGeneres shared:  “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 thenStay safe and healthy.  Love,  Ellen”

Meanwhile, Everybody Loves Raymond alum Brad Garrett , who has been a guest on Ellen, claimed on Twitter that DeGeneres bears responsibility for the workplace culture.  He tweeted late Thursday night. “Sorry but it comes from the top ⁦@TheEllenShow. Know more than one who were treated horribly by her.⁩ Common knowledge.”

So, how do view’s Ellen’s message? Do you think the show is about to go under some serious house-cleaning? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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Jamesj75Michael (not Fairman)carol1952k/KayDMRR Recent comment authors
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Charday
Guest
Charday

I stopped watching her show years ago. Ellen can be sadistic and cruel in her tv “pranks.” No Thanks!

Patrick
Guest
Patrick

Ellen Talk Show : 2003-present. mindful of her other endeavor . ED Brand Name business affair. sponsorship(s). she even has her own record label ( eleveneleven ). Ellen : “You stopped dancing” big indicator that you slowed down. sure age is what it is. you are leaving that up to your “DJ”. what has really dropped you. That oh so tired primetime game show !!!! ?????? huh? COME ON !!!! you’ve hosted the Oscar, grammy, emmy show. you were svelte AND in the moment with your ELLEN comedy show. 1994-98 it’s time to hang it up… who know’s just how… Read more »

Amber
Guest
Amber

I stopped watching it a few yrs ago. Its mainly a complete waste of time & interviews with celebrities I don’t like. And she always says her show is a family show. Really? There are a lot of sexual innuendos, scantilly clad photos & even Chippendale dancers on the show. No thanks. No children should be watching this & I wouldn’t watch it with my family.

DMRR
Guest
DMRR

Nasty, nasty woman, such a phony!

k/Kay
Guest
k/Kay

Ellen put a sock in it !!! we just know and have known for years you are literally full of shit

carol1952
Guest
carol1952

I use to like her but if she is going to act like a stupid jerk I want no part of her.oh ya I never did watch her talk show,I find all stupid talk shows to be dull and boring a waste of time.

Jamesj75
Guest
Jamesj75

Despite my reluctance to criticize a trailblazer for human rights (gay specifically), Ellen is a case study in how not to handle fame. When she first came out to the public (on her primetime show and in real life), she served as a role model for many. And she seemed to carry that mantle quite well for many years. But something seemed to happen along the way, and she devolved into this mean-spirited phony. I personally have never found her to be genuine, which is a big turnoff for me. To me, her talk show doesn’t work because it all… Read more »

Michael (not Fairman)
Guest
Michael (not Fairman)

I think she could rebound, Jamesj75, but I’m not sure she has figured out how or will be able to do so. Her apology may be sincere (I have no particular insight and can’t really judge), but it comes off to me as a little weak; I won’t go as far as you and call it ludicrous, but it definitely falls short. I say that she could rebound, though, because she still carries around such a tremendous amount of goodwill in the LGBTQ+ community because she was such an important trailblazer. The key will be figuring out how to start… Read more »

Jamesj75
Guest
Jamesj75

Hey Michael:

Thank you for your reply and further insights. You certainly make some great points, and I admire your altruistic/forgiving stance much more than the tone I chose here.

In all honesty, very few of us know these celebrities. For a variety of reasons, we like some, we don’t like others, all based on our impressions. I’m all for a redemption story, so I will share in your hope that a rebound will happen. Take care, Friend.

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Y&R to Celebrate John Abbott with Special Episode and Guest Appearance by Kym Douglas

The Young and the Restless continues its 50th anniversary season with a special episode dedicated to the memory of the late Jerry Douglas, who portrayed the beloved patriarch of the Abbott Clan, John Abbott.

The standalone episode will air on on Thursday June 22nd on the CBS daytime drama.

The episode is said to be filled with classic flashbacks and includes a special appearance by the late actor’s wife, author and television personality, Kym Douglas.

Look for Kym to take on the role of  Zelda Wilford who shares a special connection to the Abbott family.

Jerry Douglas passed away at the age of 89 following a brief illness in November of 2021.  The character of John Abbott was killed-off Y&R in 2006, but made many return appearances as a ghost, especially in scenes with his son, Jack, played by Peter Bergman.

Will you be tuning-in to see Y&R’s special episode to John Abbott? Comment below.

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Chris Licht OUT at CNN After Morning Show’s Failure to Grab Audience, Don Lemon Firing & Donald Trump Town Hall

Chris Licht, who attempted sweeping changes to the programming line-up and more has been let go as CNN’s CEO after just one year in the position.

Warner Bros. Discovery, CEO David Zaslav informed the CNN staff on their daily editorial call on Wednesday. During the informative call, Zaslav acknowledged that Licht’s leadership at CNN was ‘not successful; and that he takes ‘full responsibility’ for it. Prior to Licht, Jeff Zucker led the charge at CNN, and their styles were in sharp contrast to each other.

CNN’s interim leadership team was announced as: Amy Entelis, head of talent and content development, Virginia Mosely, head of editorial, plus programming executive Eric Shearling, and David Leavy, the just announced new COO.

 

Photo: CNN

During his tenure, Licht attempted to launch a newly reformatted morning, CNN This Morning with Poppy Harlow, Don Lemon and Kaitlin Collins, only to not only see it do poorly in the news/morning show ratings, but the trio is no longer together. Currently, Harlow remains with fill-in co-anchors.

Lemon was fired by Licht back in April after 17 years as part of the key anchors of the news network. Collins, has ascended to her own primetime show, and hadsbeen put in the position to lead key ‘Town Halls:, which recently included one with former President and now Republican Presidential candidate, Donald Trump.

Photo: CNN

It is said that one of the reasons for Licht’s dismissal was his decision to give Trump the airtime with Collins.  The now former CEO received swift backlash from viewers and staff. Many felt it was a desperate move by Licht as declining ratings and reworked programming were not turning things around. Licht eventually apologized to the staff for his decision on a Monday editorial call.  The scathing article in The Atlantic entitled, “Inside the Meltdown at CNN” really didn’t do Licht much favors, either.

In addition, there have been so many anchors/reporters/personalities switched around on their primetime line-up, (other than Anderson Cooper) that it became hard to know when to tune-in to see who … you almost needed a scorecard to follow.

So, what do you think of Licht’s departure from CNN? The missteps in programming decisions? A new CEO will eventually be named, but the network says it will takes its time to find the right replacement.  Comment below.

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Breaking News

‘The View’s’ Whoopi Goldberg Tells Audience to Stop ‘Booing’ Republican Senator Tim Scott

During a bizarre couple of segments of Monday’s episode of The View, Republican presidential candidate, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, was the special guest.

The conversation between the conservative politician and The View co-hosts, Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin and Ana Navarro took some uncomfortable and tense turns.

At one point, Goldberg posed the question to Scott, as to why the Republican Party was trying to “stop the progression that people are making.” Scott started answering and said that his political party was doing a “fabulous job at making progress” with social issues. Hostin  asked him to elaborate on that point.  It was then, that the senator turned his back to Goldberg, which promoted Whoopi to interject “That was me talking to you …. shall I come next to her?”

Goldberg then stood next to Hostin as Scott continued to face away from the other co-hosts and address the two.  After proving her point, Whoopi went back to her seat a The View table.

Courtesy/ABC

Then, production signaled Goldberg to toss to break, but Scott was continue to speak.  So instead of interrupting him, someone else from the production staff walked on camera and told Scott they were going to break.

However, when the show returned, and Ana Navarro asked her question, if the senator thought the ‘Republican Party had gone too far’ in introducing legislature against the LGBTQ+ community, including Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, plus Floria governor and Republican presidential candidate, Ron DeSantis’ feud with Disney, Scott’s response drew ire from some in the live audience with many booing the guest.

Next, Goldberg shut down the ‘boos” scolding the audience with: “Not here. I’m sorry sir. Do not ‘boo’. This is The View. We accept … we don’t have to believe everything people say, but you cannot “boo” people here, please. You cannot do it.”

Watch the ‘daytime drama’ on The View below, and then let us know what you thought of Tim Scott’s appearance on the ABC daytime talk show via the comment section.

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