Former Ellen Show employees continue to share their harrowing experiences while working on the talk show.
One former employee told BuzzFeed News that one of the executive producers on the Ellen Show had a reputation for being “handsy” with women.
Kevin Leman accused of sexual harassment, misconduct on ‘Ellen Show’
Ellen Show head writer and executive producer Kevin Leman’s name was mentioned by one of the former employees. The unnamed employee claimed that Leman asked her to do various sexual acts at a company party in 2013
Another employee said that she saw Leman groping a production assistant while they were inside a car. Several others said that it is not uncommon for Leman to engage in sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace.
The head writer and executive producer, reportedly, mask his advances as sarcasm. However, it is not sarcasm.
“He’d probably do it in front of 10 people and they’d laugh because ‘it’s just Kevin being Kevin,’ but if you’re in a position of power at a company, you don’t just get to touch me like that,” one of the former employees said.
Kevin Leman releases statement
Following the shocking allegations, Leman released a statement. He never engaged in any form of sexual harassment and misconduct on the Ellen Show.
“I started at the Ellen Show as a PA more than 17 years ago and have devoted my career to work my way to the position I now hold. While my job as head writer is to come up with jokes — and, during that process, we can occasionally push the envelope — I’m horrified that some of my attempts at humor may have caused offense,” he said.
Leman also said that throughout his career on Ellen Show, he has never received any complaint against him.
“I am devastated beyond belief that this kind of malicious and misleading article could be published,” he concluded.
Ellen DeGeneres issues an apology
The allegations against Leman came shortly after Ellen DeGeneres apologized to the staff amid claims of toxic work environment on Ellen Show. The comedian said that she would do her part by overseeing what goes on behind the scenes.
Two other personalities have also come forward to slam DeGeneres.
Celebrities come forward against Ellen DeGeneres, ‘Ellen Show’
Brad Garrett posted a cryptic tweet this week. The actor said that he knows more than one person who was treated horribly by the comedian.
Lea Thompson echoed Garrett’s tweet by saying that it is a true story.
Ellen DeGeneres hasn’t responded to the mean girl criticisms thrown her way.
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