The Ellen DeGeneres Show was investigated over toxic workplace allegations in 2018

BuzzFeed News

"Executives behind The Ellen DeGeneres Show knew of allegations of sexism and a toxic work environment two years ago, long before three top producers were fired last week after being accused by dozens of former employees of sexual misconduct and harassment," reports Buzzfeed's Krystie Lee Yandoli, whose previous reports on Ellen's toxic workplace led to the recent ouster of three top producers. In 2018, an industry union filed a complaint against The Ellen DeGeneres Show, alleging gender discrimination, including sexist remarks made by top producers. Buzzfeed is not naming the union, citing fear of retribution. Asked to respond, a Warner Bros. TV spokesperson says “there is nothing new or noteworthy about this issue," adding: “It was investigated by an outside investigator and resolved with no merit to claims of gender discrimination. As previously stated, we are committed to changing the things that need to change and moving forward in a constructive and positive way.” As Yandoli notes, however, the existence of the previous investigation "has left many Ellen employees skeptical of the new, ongoing investigation into the toxic work culture on the show. Some former employees also called the current investigation a 'publicity ploy.'"