Entertainment

Ellen DeGeneres Former DJ Backs Up Show’s ‘Toxicity’ Claims As Its Ratings Plummet

Things just keep getting worse for Ellen DeGeneres as a popular staple from her eponymous talk show, DJ Tony, just came forward to corroborate claims of a toxic work environment made by current and former employees. Adding to the turmoil, ratings for “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” plummeted to an all-time low.  

Ellen DeGeneres’ Former Hype Man, DJ Tony, Breaks Silence On “Toxic” Environment

Daily Mail reported that Tony Okungbowa, who is better known as DJ Tony, served two stints as “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” DJ from 2003 until 2006 and then again from 2007 until 2013.

After dozens of current and former employees of the talk show came forward to accuse Ellen of turning a blind eye to racism, intimidation, and sexual misconduct on the set of her show, DJ Tony took to Instagram to say that he felt the “toxicity of the environment” on the show:

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. 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.

RELATED: Ellen DeGeneres Scandal Hits New Level With Sexual Misconduct Allegations

“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” Ratings Plummet

Earlier this week, Ellen and her executive producers Andy Lassner, Mary Connelly and Derek Westervelt held a call with employees. The call was their attempt to “clear the air” and move forward.

Ellen’s show producers were in a panic after weeks of staffers publicly making claims about their negative experiences on set.

RELATED: Ellen DeGeneres’ Producers Panic – Say ‘It Would Break A Lot Of Hearts’ To Cancel The Show

Unfortunately for Ellen, it might already be too late for her to save the show. Reports have come out stating that ratings have plummeted to an all-time low. 

The Wrap reported that ratings for “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” hit a record low in the program’s 17-year run at the end of July, plummeting to a 1.0 Live + Same Day household rating for the week ending July 26.

This was a a 9% drop from the previous week, as well as a staggering -29% fall from the same period in summer 2019.

Rumors Hint It’s The End

The claims made against Ellen have been devastating to her brand, which is all about telling people to “be kind” to one another. The Emmy-winning daytime host says that the end of every one of her shows.

Reports have come out over the past few days indicating that Ellen has “had enough” and wants to quit.

“She feels she can’t go on and the only way to recover her personal brand from this is to shut down the show,” an insider at Telepictures told Daily Mail at the end of last week. “The truth is she knew what was going on, it’s her show. The buck stops with her. She can blame every executive under the sun – but Ellen is ultimately the one to blame.”

On this week’s call with staffers, however, producers denied rumors that Ellen is ready to throw in the towel. For now, at least.

It remains to be seen if Ellen DeGeneres will be able to save herself, or if she will become the latest celebrity to be “cancelled” forever. 

James Conrad

James Conrad’s passion for politics is only overshadowed by his longstanding interest in Hollywood. His unique perspective as a gay conservative fuels him to challenge celebrity views and those who think they have a right to tell anyone how to think or vote. James proudly wields his minority point of view to combat identity politics and cut through his typecast. Fun fact: James’ guilty pleasure is the British royal family.

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