Radio Host Reveals Ellen DeGeneres Had Ridiculous Demands
Not only is her eponymous talk show is facing allegations of racism, unjust termination, and a toxic work environment, Ellen DeGeneres herself is being subjected to rumors about her supposed difficulty to work with. The most recent claim comes from an Australian radio host who revealed the “ridiculous demands” DeGeneres required.
Insider reports that radio host Neil Breen, who was an executive producer on Australia’s Today show in 2013, revealed that DeGeneres was very particular about how she should be treated when she went on the show.
Breen alleged that DeGeneres had changing demands when it came to working with the production, first offering to co-host Today and then eventually whittling it down to a sit-down interview with her in Melbourne. Breen said that he and the crew had to fly out to the location at their own expense.
Once at the location, the demands from DeGeneres did not stop. The Daily Mail quotes Breen as saying that they were given very specific instruction by DeGeneres’ crew, such as not talking to her, approaching her, or looking at her.
Breen also claimed that DeGeneres’ staff “walked on eggshells” around her and had to laugh loudly at her jokes, so much so that they had to be reminded that there was an interview being conducted.
These new accusations come after it was announced that an internal investigation would be conducted after a Buzzfeed report alleged a toxic work environment on the show, with several incidents of racism, unjust termination, and staff being prevented from going on leave for their mental health or to attend funerals.
DeGeneres has already sent out a letter to her staff addressing the allegations, taking responsibility for the work environment and promising that change would come and that the show would once again be a “place of happiness.”
The show’s three executive producers -- Ed Glavin, Andy Lassner, and Mary Connelly -- have also released a statement taking responsibility for the toxicity and promising to do better with day-to-day management moving forward.
DeGeneres and her show are just the latest to be subjected to accusations of workplace misconduct. MacGyver showrunner Peter Lenkov was recently fired from his job after MacGyver star Lucas Till claimed he was driven to suicidal thoughts by Lenkov’s bullying, verbal abuse, and body-shaming.
Ray Fisher, who played Cyborg in the Justice League movie, also alleged that the movie’s director Joss Whedon was unprofessional, abusive, and gross on the set. Fisher also accused former DC Entertainment president and chief creative officer Geoff Johns and former Warner Bros. co-president of production Jon Berg of enabling Whedon’s behavior on set.