DeGeneres Vows Candor As Clouded Talk Show Charts Its Return

Last month, three of the show’s producers exited amid allegations of a dysfunctional workplace that harbored misbehavior including sexual misconduct and racially insensitive remarks.

An internal company investigation of work conditions was prompted by a BuzzFeed News report in July based on 36 interviews with ex-staffers, who complained about or said they witnessed improper and unfair treatment. The people making the claims were not identified.

When DeGeneres told staffers of the changes in a video conference call, she reportedly said she found claims about the shows environment to be heartbreaking.

The comedian and host had sent a memo to her staff after the BuzzFeed report, recalling her early promise of ensuring a workplace where everyone would be treated with respect. Something changed, she said, and for that, I am sorry.