NBC is reportedly investigating Paul Telegdy, president of its Entertainment division, amid allegations that he made racially and sexually inappropriate gestures towards and about staff, a report released Friday said.
Multiple current and former employees, including big names like Sharon Osbourne and Gabrielle Union, told The Hollywood Reporter (THR) that Telegdy created a toxic work environment where racist, sexist, and homophobic behavior was allegedly “normal.”
Telegdy, for example, would allegedly use misogynistic insults and openly engage in homophobic impersonations of colleagues. Apparently, the senior executive’s romantic life was also flaunted among the staff. Three executives told THR that they overheard Telegdy talk about a sexual encounter he had with a female musician and an industry associate.
Osbourne, a former “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) judge, also alleged that Telegy had inappropriate behavior towards a woman who brought in a dinner for the AGT team. “He was on his knees all night and he had his tongue to his throat and that was my introduction to Paul Telegdy,” said Osbourne.
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Telegdy has denied this accusation, as well as one in which he called Osbourne an “witch f” when he threatened to protest the loss of his son from another program after revealing that he had multiple sclerosis.
In a more general statement, Telegdy said: “The nature of these allegations runs counter to everything I stand for. I hope that my actions for decades, empower those around me, support artists and create shows with aspirational values and inclusion in the center, speak more than the selective words of a few. “
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The revelations came after Union, an actress and former “America’s Got Talent” judge, filed a complaint against NBC with the state of California, alleging derogatory and racial comments about Union’s appearance.
In Friday’s report, THR said that NBC executive staff members Meredith Ahr were allegedly the ones to broadcast that Union’s hair was “too wild,” he notes that Union commented on his race. NBC said it investigated the matter and concluded that no comments were made on Union’s hair.
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But race-related issues seemed to be a pattern, as another source claimed that the notes often seemed race-related.
Ahr allegedly also attempted to taunt Telegdy by placing a photo on his desk of a black actress who was allegedly not attractive, something Ahr denies.
Ahr defended himself in a statement, saying: “I have spent my career striving to create a work environment that gives people the opportunity to learn and grow, as well as championing diversity and inclusion in both our programs and our executive ranks. . Seeing this fake portrait painted by anonymous sources is devastating, and in no way reflects who I am. “
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An NBC spokesman said in a statement that they took the allegations “very seriously” and would investigate the matter.
“This narrative does not reflect the values of NBC Entertainment or the culture we strive to create,” said the spokesperson.
