Ellen DeGeneres talk show investigated after staff complaints

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: July 28 2020 | 14:16

Last updated: July 29 2020 | 06:10

WarnerMedia launches an investigation into working conditions on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show is under an internal investigation by WarnerMedia following allegations of poor treatment of employees.

The long-running talkshow has been hit by numerous controversies in recent months, starting in April when members of the crew were told to expect reduced pay during the coronavirus lockdown - in addition to being replaced by non-union crew when the production relocated to DeGeneres's home.

Last month it was alleged in a Buzzfeed report that multiple members of production had reported an intimidating atmosphere working on the show, alongside accusations of racist comments.

DeGeneres herself has come in for criticism, with a Twitter thread describing her as "notoriously one of the meanest people alive" going viral.

In the wake of the various allegations, WarnerMedia has now decided to hold an internal investigation - alongside an investigation from a third-party firm - which will interview current and former employees about their experience working on the show.

DeGeneres has not commented publicly on any of the stories.