Staffers working on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" will be receiving various new benefits in in the wake of accusations of racial insensitivity, sexual misconduct, and other problems in the work environment.
Addressing employees during a virtual town hall on Monday, senior producers Mary Connelly and Andy Lassner reportedly announced that staff would receive five paid days off to use at their discretion, birthdays off, as well as paid time off for doctors' appointments and family matters, one source told Variety.
During the call, DeGeneres also apologized to her staff for allowing on-set toxicity to take place "on her watch," another insider said.
Changes are already being implemented on the set of the long-running show. A human resources executive has been appointed to discuss grievances in full confidentiality and Connelly and Lassner reassured staff that there was no reason to be "afraid" to bring up workplace issues or discuss rumors.
The announcement comes amid news that "Ellen" has overhauled its senior production team. Three senior producers — executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman — were axed following allegations of misconduct, harassment, and questionable behavior on the set of the show. The trio was suspended but was later terminated, multiple sources said.
Morale has since improved, insiders said. In addition to the new perks, DeGeneres' apology and reassurance has reportedly made a big difference in how the staff was feeling about the current situation.
"It was important to know what and how much she knew," one source said. "Because many of us really believe in her."
© 2022 Newsmax. All rights reserved.