Ellen DeGeneres 'Ashamed' Of Show's 'Toxic' Work Environment, Addresses Staffers After Producers' Exit

Ellen DeGeneres has promised the crew of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" that change is coming weeks after former employees described a "toxic" work environment on the program, a report said.

In a videoconference call with over 200 staffers Monday, DeGeneres informed employees that three producers, Kevin Leman, Ed Glavin, and Jonathan Norman, have been axed amid allegations of sexual misconduct. The talk show host also promised them that there will be changes moving forward, Variety reported.

An insider with knowledge of the conversation told Us Weekly that Degeneres told the crew that she had not been aware of what was happening on the set of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" since she wasn’t there as much as the others.

“Ellen said she was ashamed and embarrassed to hear about it and assured them it would not continue,” the source added.

The insider added that the comedian appeared to have realized that she should be more involved in the operations moving forward.

As for those who heard DeGeneres’ message, the source said, "Everyone on the call was glad to hear from her."

The philanthropist also clarified during the call that the show is here to stay, shutting down rumors claiming "Ellen" is not coming back.

Speculations of "Ellen" getting canceled began circulating after "horror stories" about the show saw light in the past weeks. Earlier this month, insiders told Us Weekly that employees were scared that DeGeneres would quit and that the long-running talk show would be taken off the air after being plagued by multiple controversies.

Last month, more than 10 "Ellen" staffers came forward with their stories in an explosive BuzzFeed article that detailed their negative experiences with key people on the show. One of the staffers, who requested anonymity out of fear of retribution, said they were fired after taking medical leave, while another Black employee accused higher-ups of racism.

"The Ellen DeGeneres Show" was heavily criticized shortly after, prompting bosses to release a statement.

“We are truly heartbroken and sorry to learn that even one person in our production family has had a negative experience. It’s not who we are and not who we strive to be, and not the mission Ellen has set for us,” Andy Lassner, Mary Connelly and Glavin stated.

Following the release of the story, DeGeneres broke her silence over the allegations in late July when she sent a letter to her staffers, admitting that she was at fault for not staying on top of things when her show grew and became more popular.