“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” has implemented several new perks for its weary staff, including increased paid time off and a liberal medical leave policy, following a dramatic address by the day’s host on Monday.
Employees will receive five paid days free to use at their discretion, birthdays off, and paid time for doctor appointments and family matters, one source familiar with the injury Variation. The news was delivered by “Ellen” senior producers Mary Connelly and Andy Lassner at a Monday virtual town hall, during which a tearful DeGeneres apologized for months to employees of malicious reports and accused intentional toxicity that happened “on her watch,” a another insider familiar with her comments said.
A WarnerMedia spokeswoman declined to comment.
In addition to firing a trio of top producers – Ed Glavin, Jonathan Norman and Kevin Leman – who were accused of sexual abuse in a July BuzzFeed report, DeGeneres dealt with poor communication with her crew, first reported by Variation in April. On the call, the Emmy winner said she had only learned from the problems by reading Variation, who “broke their brains,” according to sources.
Insiders said the new perks and a direct address from DeGeneres improved morale this week as rehearsals for DeGeneres ‘spinoff show “Ellens’ Game of Games” resumed, and the talk show team began reviving production offices and soundtracks.
A human executor provided by “Ellen” distributor WarnerMedia has already begun work and has attended several zoom meetings, said another insider. The executive does not report to show leadership, provide anonymity to workers with grievances and a dedicated lawyer.
Connelly and Lassner told staff clearly “do not be afraid” during the call. Sources said this was applicable to communication about workplace problems, circumstances surrounding the pandemic, or even rumors that no one should make eye contact with DeGeneres (which they denied).
The outspoken producers were accused of sexual harassment and racism, as well as fostering an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Only Leman responded to his termination through a lawyer, saying he was ‘scapegoated’. The producers were fired less than a month after a formal investigation into the show was launched by WarnerMedia.
In April, longtime crew members were told to expect salary cuts, even as the show produced the same amount of episodes in quarantine with the use of unskilled workers, Variety reported. At the moment, a Warner Bros. spokesman said. Television that communication could have been better, and the union crew was returned to full pay just before the original report was published.
The most meaningful gesture for employees, according to one individual on the lot, was to break DeGeneres’ silence.
“It was important to know what and how much she knew,” said a source from the workplace culture. “Because many of us really believe in them.”
