Sources say the investigation into allegations that Paul Telegdy and Meredith Ahr promoted a toxic workplace at NBC will be conducted by someone other than the outsider who found a ‘culture of diversity’ in ‘America’s Got Talent.’
NBCUniversal TV and Streaming chairman Mark Lazarus informed staff Friday that the company plans to step forward with its investigation into allegations of a toxic workplace culture raised in a Hollywood Reporter story centered on NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy and his top deputy, unwritten chief Meredith Ahr. Telegdy left the company unknowingly on Thursday as part of a major restructuring, while Ahr remains in place.
Lazarus, alongside NBCU CEO Jeff Shell, is overseeing a major restructuring of the company’s TV division. That included news that Telegdy had left the company. The news came a week later THR published a story in which scores of current and former operators claimed that Telegdy fostered a toxic culture. NBC immediately put an investigation into the culture on the network. A source close to the investigation at NBC notes that the probe is being carried out by an outsider other than the person who found a “culture of diversity” at America’s Got Talent following allegations by former judge Gabrielle Union of racism and homophobia on the show. Union attorney Bryan Freedman said earlier THR that outside investigator from NBC, an elderly white woman, “was unable to discern the subtler forms of racism” that Union experienced on AGT.
In his note to staff, Lazarus revealed that the company will continue with the investigation into Telegdy’s departure and also begin a broader cultural assessment at the conglomerate. (Read the memo below.) This is the latest example of efforts Lazarus is making in a bid to make his mark at the company. In July, Lazarus sent a memo to employees detailing extended protections for employees both on in-house programming and from third-party suppliers. The increased efforts come amid ongoing reckoning in Hollywood, as operators, stars and showrunners are increasingly held accountable for violent behavior. The news comes after NBC’s America’s Got Talent – which is produced by a third-party supplier, Fremantle – chose not to renew Gabrielle Union’s contract after a one-season run. Union has filed a complaint against NBC and Fremantle detailing a suspicious “toxic culture” about the veteran series.
Here is Lazarus’ last remark to the staff:
I know you all got the news yesterday about how we are restructuring our business to better align resources across our television divisions. I look forward to the future of our company, but I know it also raises a number of questions. Please know that I am working closely with the new leadership team to bring more clarity about the new organization and that we will have more to share in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, I want to update you on how we will address the allegations of misconduct that were reported in the press.
I have not had the opportunity to get to know many of you yet, but I want you to know I deeply believe that we all deserve to work in an environment where we feel respected and valued.
To this end, we will conduct both an investigation into the specific allegations, led by a knowledgeable outside investigator, and a broader culture evaluation. The assessment of culture will be facilitated by NBCU’s Fair Employment team and will give me the opportunity to learn more about your experiences. I want to hear from you, and I encourage you all to take part. Once complete, you have my commitment to develop and communicate an action plan based on your feedback.
The investigation and assessment will take place at the same time and will begin in the coming days. As always, if you are concerned that you may want to be heard now or in the future, please contact Comcast NBCUniversal Listens by calling 1-877-40-LISTENS or at www.ComcastNBCUniversalListens.com. You will have the option to report anonymously.
I believe that the building blocks of great culture begin with inclusion, transparency and trust; and I know we can get there together.
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