DJ tWitch From 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' Speaks Out
Support for Ellen DeGeneres continues to pour in after the past few weeks saw the embattled talk show host battle numerous allegations of misconduct and toxicity on the set of her eponymous talks show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
The latest person to voice support for the 62-year-old talk show host is its resident DJ, Stephen "tWitch" Boss. US Magazine reports that Boss said that he cannot speak too much about the workplace issues on the show because of legal reasons, but affirmed that “there’s been love.”
Despite the declaration of love, Boss did acknowledge the issues plaguing The Ellen DeGeneres Show, noting that these things need to be addressed. However, the DJ pointed out that now was not the right time for him to address these things publicly.
These “things” Boss talks about are detailed in a Buzzfeed report that quotes former and current The Ellen DeGeneres Show staffers who allege that the show’s managers prevented staff from using leaves either for their own mental health or to attend funerals. There were also accusations of racism as well as an overall toxic environment.
Entertainment Weekly points out that Boss is being more diplomatic when compared to his predecessor, DJ Tony Okungbowa. Okungbowa was the show’s DJ until 2013, staying in that position for almost 10 years.
According to Okungbowa, he definitely felt and experienced the toxic work environment that The Ellen DeGeneres Show is accused of fostering. He expressed support for his former colleagues on the show, saying that he joins them as they make the show more inclusive and healthier moving forward.
Aside from Boss, a number of other celebrities have also voiced their support of DeGeneres, such as the host’s wife, Portia de Rossi. The actress posted an image on her Instagram account proclaiming that she stands by DeGeneres. She also thanked her and DeGeneres’ supporters.
De Rossi also maintained that her wife was “doing good.” The actress also said that DeGeneres would continue hosting her talk show even in the face of all the allegations against her and her show.
Other celebrities that have come out in defense of DeGeneres are Ashton Kutcher, Katy Perry, Diane Keaton, Jerry O’ Connel, Scooter Braun, Nacho Figueras, and Kevin Hart.
A number of celebrities have also come out to affirm the allegations of DeGeneres’ rude behavior. Everybody Loves Raymond star Brad Garrett claims DeGeneres herself is the source of the toxicity in her talk show. Back to the Future star, Lea Thompson agreed with Garrett’s claim.