Ellen DeGeneres’ resident DJ Stephen “tWitch” Baas was named as a co-executive producer on the talk show during the day, two people familiar with the decision told Variation.
The news was announced Monday during a highly emotional address by DeGeneres to her “Ellen Show” staff, where she faced months of reports of a toxic work environment and racism.
The host expressed a desire to “come back strong” in the upcoming 18th season of their syndicate franchise, a TV show Warner Bros., with a renewed commitment to diversity. DeGeneres said boss was already helpful in that measure. The promotion will give the emcee more influence in both programming and in the work culture, added one insider.
Less than a week ago, Boss told UsWeekly that “of course there are some things to tackle, but from my point of view and from countless others there has been love. I’ll just leave it at that for a while. that we can approach it more publicly. “
A July report from BuzzFeed contained a range of racist accusations about behavior against employees of color. On Monday’s call, DeGeneres said the reports left her heart pounding. As Variation Exclusively reported, DeGeneres also announced that a trio of top producers accused of sexual abuse had been fired.
Deputy producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman were all fired after devastating allegations made in recent reports by Buzzfeed and Variation. “Ellen” veterans Mary Connelly, Andy Lassner and Derek Westervelt will remain at the show as executive producers alongside host DeGeneres. Connelly, Lassner and Westervelt have been with the show since its inception in 2003.
Boss also appears on the variety series “Ellen’s Game of Games” alongside DeGeneres, and hosts the series “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings” with Mrs. Allison Holker for Disney Plus. Boss’ film credits are also recognized as choreographer and long dancer, including “Blades of Glory,” “Hairspray,” and “Magic Mike XXL.”
Cynthia Littleton contributed to this report.
