Former DJ for the "Ellen DeGeneres Show" Tony Okungbowa recently revealed the toxicity he expressed on set while he worked on the program.
On the show, the DJ went by the name "DJ Tony" and was often seen providing live music, joking around with Ellen, and even dancing with her. On an Instagram post shared on August 4, Tuesday, he reveals the hostile and toxic the work environment was during his time as an on-air talent from 2003-2006 and 2007-2013.
In the post, he says, "I received calls asking me about the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and I'd like to address the time I spent there. While I am thankful for the chance it afforded me, I did experience and felt the toxicity of the surroundings. I stand with my former coworkers in their stand create a more inclusive and healthier workplace as the show moves forward."
See his whole post here:
View this post on InstagramHey, I hope you're all safe out there during these difficult times. I've been receiving calls asking me about the Ellen Degeneres Show, and I'd like to address the time I spent there. I was an on-air talent from 2003-2006 and 2007-2013. While I am thankful for the opportunity it afforded me, I did experience and felt the toxicity of the surroundings, and I stand with my former co-workers in their quest to create a more inclusive and heathier workplace as the show moves forward. A post shared by Tony okungbowa (@tokungbowa) on Aug 4, 2020 at 9:53am PDT
Back in July, it revealed that behind the show's "Be Kind" mantra, Ellen DeGeneres was a boss that instilled the set with "racism, fear, and intimidation." An anonymous former employee revealed that the "be kind" mantra is only seen when cameras are on, saying that all the giveaways are just for show to make them appear kind. Employees were fired for taking medical leaves or bereavement days to attend family funerals. Some employees were even instructed not to speak to Ellen DeGeneres if they see her.
An African-American former employee claimed she experienced racist comments, actions, and microaggressions during her time on the show. She said that she experienced such remarks from the get-go; when she was hired, a senior-level producer told her and another Africa-American employee, "Oh wow, you both have box braids; I hope we don't get you confused." Additionally, at a work party, she said, one of the leading writers told her, "I'm sorry, I only know the white people who work here." Instead of being defended, her coworkers just awkwardly laughed it off.
Once these statements were revealed, Ellen DeGeneres shared a letter addressing the controversy and promising to do better. She recalled how she started the show to treat everyone with respect and that she is disappointed that has changed. She shared that she has taken responsibility for her actions and will take steps to change for the better. She promises that she will learn from this experience and become a better person.
