Ellen DeGeneres Show is like The Devil Wears Prada movie, according to a former crew member.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show has been subjected to an internal investigation after several former and current employees complained about its alleged toxic workplace. Another former employee came forward and spoke about the environment on set.
Ellen DeGeneres Show likened to The Devil Wears Prada
A former camera assistant, who asked to remain anonymous, likened The Ellen Show to the scary environment in The Devil Wears Prada movie.
The Devil Wears Prada is a 2006 comedy-drama film starring Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep. It features college graduate Andrea Sachs (Hathaway), who works for a ruthless and cynical fashion magazine editor (Streep) in New York City. Streep’s character, the super-diva Miranda Priestly, sends shivers down Sachs’ spine.
According to the former employee, The Ellen DeGeneres Show had the same vibes for them.
“I worked there for a little over a year. It’s kind of like The Devil Wears Prada. Everyone is trying to make it to the [end of a] year,” the former camera assistant said per Daily Mail.
“It’s just a badge of honour to have that and have it on your résumé.”
Interaction with Ellen
Meanwhile, when it comes to their interaction with Ellen DeGeneres, the former employee said they were not allowed to be in the same room with the host.
“I wasn’t even allowed in the same room as her. Most people are told, ‘When Ellen enters the room, you and your entire crew need to leave,'” the source said.
“Sometimes her bodyguards come forward first and you kind of see them and you know to leave and that’s it.”
Former DJ spoke about the toxic workplace
Most of the employees who complained about The Ellen Show’s toxic workplace chose to remain anonymous. Tony Okungbowa, more popularly known as DJ Tony, stood by his former colleagues.
Okungbowa worked as resident DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show for nine years. According to him, just like those who complained, he felt the toxicity in the workplace.
“Hey Guys, I hope you are all keeping safe out there during these trying times. I have been getting calls asking me about the Ellen Degeneres Show and I would like to address the time I spent there,” DJ Tony wrote.
“I was on air talent from 2003-2006 and from 2007 -2013. While I am grateful for the opportunity it afforded me, I did experience and feel the toxicity of the environment and I stand with my former colleagues in their quest to create a healthier and more inclusive workplace as the show moves forward.”
Image used courtesy of Today/YouTube Screenshot