ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Ellen DeGeneres Says She ‘Didn’t Understand’ Toxic Workplace Allegations

Ellen DeGeneres Says She ‘Didn’t Understand’ Toxic Workplace Allegations

The host is set to end the show in 2022 after almost two decades

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Ellen DeGeneres has said she 'didn't understand' the allegations of a toxic workplace environment made by people who worked on her show.

Yesterday, DeGeneres announced she was ending The Ellen DeGeneres Show after the upcoming 19th season.

Speaking to NBC's Today show the comedian and host spoke about the allegations, saying that guests described it as a 'happy atmosphere'.

She said: "I really didn't understand it. I still don't understand it. I thought something was going on that... because it was too orchestrated. It was too coordinated.

PA

"And people get picked on, but for four months straight for me, and then for me to read in the press about a toxic work environment, when all I've ever heard from every guest that comes on the show is what a happy atmosphere this is and what a happy place it is."

The allegations were made in in an expose from BuzzFeed news last year, prompting Warner Bros to launch an internal review which found 'deficiencies related to the show's day-to-day management'.

DeGeneres went on to issue an apology to viewers when she started season 18.

She said: "I learned that things happen here that never should have happened. I take that very seriously. And I want to say I am so sorry to the people who were affected."

But she says the decision to step away from the show had 'been the plan all along' and wasn't related to the allegations.

Opening up about her decision to end the show after 19 years she told the The Hollywood Reporter: "When you're a creative person, you constantly need to be challenged - and as great as this show is, and as fun as it is, it's just not a challenge anymore."

PA

Touching on the allegations during the interview the 63-year-old said: "It almost impacted the show. It was very hurtful to me. I mean, very. But if I was quitting the show because of that, I wouldn't have come back this season."

Warner Bros unscripted TV president Mike Darnell told the publication: "Although all good things must come to an end, you still have hope that truly great things never will."

He added: "Ellen was and is an indelible piece of the television landscape, and it will be sorely missed."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: TV and Film