Using technology to it’s advantage for its 18th season The Ellen DeGeneres Show returned to a virtual studio audience on the Warner Brothers Studio lot in Burbank.
The show’s return marked the first time since allegations of a toxic work environment on the show were disclosed earlier this year by former staffers and certain celebrities that have appeared on the show.
Three of the shows executives were also met with allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment towards other employees. Warner Brothers confirmed that the studio has “parted ways” with executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman, and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman, in August.
To her credit DeGeneres immediately addressed the issues that have plagued her as well as show executives. DeGeneres stated “I take this very seriously and I want to say I’m so sorry to the people it affected,” and then added that the studio’s investigation had led to “the necessary changes” being made.
DeGeneres bravely addressed the misconduct and sexual harassment allegations that emerged saying, “I learned that things happened that should never have happened. If I’ve ever let someone down, if I’ve ever hurt their feelings, I am sorry for that.” She continued, “I know that I’m in a position of privilege and power, and I realize that with that comes responsibility, and I take responsibility for what happens at my show,” DeGeneres said. “We have made the necessary changes and today we’re starting a new chapter.”
In that “new chapter” she announced that her in-studio disc jockey, “Twitch”, had been promoted to the show’s co-executive producer.
The Ellen Show has garnered an impressive 60 Daytime Emmy Awards since it first aired in 2003.
