Channel 9 has decided to stop showing repeated episodes of The Ellen Show as the programme is investigated for workplace bullying.
Ellen DeGeneres' iconic talk show has been attracting headlines for all the wrong reasons recently as allegations emerged it wasn't the utopia of a place to work. There have been claims of racism, sexual harassment and unfair dismissal.
Warner Bros' parent company WarnerMedia said 'not all of the allegations were corroborated', but added it was 'disappointed that the primary findings of the investigation indicated some deficiencies related to the show's day-to-day management'.
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It seems like the allegations have caused the Australian network to stop showing old episodes during the day as the series' 18th season edges closer to release.
Nine Network spokesperson released a statement to News Corp, saying: "We are resting Ellen repeats on Nine and have replaced with Desperate Housewives."
However, they poured cold water on the claim that the show has been axed completely.
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The network added: "Nine haven't axed anything - we have been playing repeats on Nine which will continue on 9Gem. Discussions are ongoing regarding the new series."
The new season is due next month, however Channel 9 has speculated whether it will have the rights to broadcast it.
Nine programming director Hamish Turner told TV Tonight: "Do we have rights beyond this year? The answer to that is no.
"We'll wait to hear from Warner Brothers as to the results of their internal inquiry, because at the moment, they haven't even come forward with what the show is, or when it might go back into production.
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"We're waiting to see what the US are doing and then obviously we'll need to negotiate rates. There's a lot to go under the bridge before we even get to that stage. We haven't got a clear picture yet."
Last week, it was revealed three senior figures in the show, executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman, were getting the chop. Staff had accused them of creating a toxic work environment, although Leman and Norman both denied the allegations and Leman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The rumours and allegations were swirling so quickly that it prompted a statement from Ellen herself.
The 62-year-old presenter issued a message to her employees in a memo, saying she would have preferred to be able to say the statement in person 'if not for Covid'.
In the letter, DeGeneres said: "On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness - no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect.
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"Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry.
"Anyone who knows me knows it's the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show."
Referencing how she came out as gay back in 1997, DeGeneres added: "As someone who was judged and nearly lost everything for just being who I am, I truly understand and have deep compassion for those being looked at differently, or treated unfairly, not equal, or - worse - disregarded. To think that any one of you felt that way is awful to me."
DeGeneres signed off the memo by apologised again to her staff, saying she was 'so proud' of the show: "I can't wait to be back on our stage and see you all then."
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In the letter, Warner Bros also confirmed it has now launched an investigation into the show.
"Warner Bros and Ellen DeGeneres are all committed to ensuring a workplace based on respect and inclusion. We are confident this course of action will lead us to the right way forward for the show," the statement said.
Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros.Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film, Australia