Executive producers Kevin Leman and Ed Glavin, and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman have been fired by The Ellen DeGeneres Show in the wake of claims of ‘toxic’ workplace and on-set sexual misconduct, the Variety reported.
Leman and Glavin have also been removed from other shows produced by Ellen, including ‘Ellen’s Game of Thrones.’
The famous host announced the news to employees in a videoconference call where she described the accusations as heartbreaking.
Sources also told Variety that an ‘apologetic’ and ‘emotional’ DeGeneres announced the decision in the call with over 200 employees, saying the host admitted that she was ‘not perfect.’
She also admitted that the show had alienated guests and employees by changing shooting timetables at short notice and vowed that the show will now proceed with the agreed timetables.
DeGeneres and executive producers Derek Westervelt, Andy Lassner, and Mary Connelly will continue in their positions on the popular TV show.
The firings of the three executive producers come amid workplace bullying claims and on-set sexual misconduct allegations.
The investigation was launched after a Buzzfeed article revealed that former employees of Ellen’s show claim they experienced intimidation, fear, and racism. They also accused producers Glavin, Connelly, and Lassner of bullying.
The long-running show faced more accusations about sexual misconduct after dozens of women and men accused Norman, Glavin, and Leman of sexual assault, misconduct, and harassment.
Norman and Leman denied the allegations.
DeGeneres has also been accused of fostering a ‘toxic’ workplace behind the scenes. She apologized and said she took ‘full responsibility.’
The 62-year-old added: “That will now change and I’m committed to ensuring that doesn’t happen again.”
Many stars have jumped to Ellen’s defense, including her wife Portia de Rossi, former TV host Jay Leno, and singer Katie Perry.
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