Tony Okungbowa has claimed he felt “toxicity” working on the set of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and said that he “stands by” his former colleagues.
The popular chat show is currently undergoing an internal investigation by WarnerMedia, after BuzzFeed News published accounts from current and former staff members, who alleged they were subjected to a “toxic work environment” while working on the show.
The 52-year-old, who served as the show’s DJ for several years, addressed the recent allegations on Instagram on Tuesday – admitting he “did experience and feel the toxicity of the environment.”
“Hey Guys,” he wrote, “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.”
“I stand with my former colleagues in their quest to create a healthier and more inclusive workplace as the show moves forward,” he concluded the post.
Tony was replaced by Stephen “tWitch” Boss in 2014, before returning as a guest on the show.
Last week, Ellen addressed the ongoing investigation in a candid letter to staff – and stated that she was “disappointed” to learn of the accusations.
“As someone who was judged and nearly lost everything for just being who I am, I truly understand and have deep compassion for those being looked at differently, or treated unfairly, not equal, or worse – disregarded.”
“To think that any one of you felt that way is awful to me,” she wrote.
On the latest episode of Goss Chats, Goss.ie CEO Ali Ryan chats to Alan Hughes about life during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Goss Chats is sponsored by top aesthetic clinic Haus of JeJuve.
