Katy Perry Defends Ellen DeGeneres Amid Talk Show Controversy – Sends Her "Love & A Hug"

Aug 04, 2020

Ellen Degeneres continues to come under fire as allegations of a “toxic work environment” concerning her show’s crew make headlines across the globe. 

As both former and current employees of the media mogul come forward stating the work culture on the production is far from Degeneres’ “be kind” mantra, others are coming forward to defend the TV-show-host, including Katy Perry. 

Earlier today, the Smile singer took to social media to express her dismay at the allegations and defended her “friend” DeGeneres. 

"I know I can’t speak for anyone else’s experience besides my own but I want to acknowledge that I have only ever had positive takeaways from my time with Ellen & on the @theellenshow," Perry wrote on Twitter.

"I think we all have witnessed the light & continual fight for equality that she has brought to the world through her platform for decades," she added.

"Sending you love & a hug, friend @TheEllenShow ❤️."

DeGeneres’ wife, Portia de Rossi, also took to social media to share her own messages of support for the comedian.

"To all our fans....we see you. Thank you for your support," de Rossi wrote on Instagram.

According to People, DeGeneres herself penned a lengthy apology to her employees, addressing their concerns and vowing to “correct the issues.”

"My name is on the show and everything we do and I take responsibility for that," DeGeneres wrote. "Alongside Warner Bros, we immediately began an internal investigation and we are taking steps, together, to correct the issues. 

“As we've grown exponentially, I've not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I'd want them done. Clearly some didn't. That will now change and I'm committed to ensuring this does not happen again."

"We all have to be more mindful about the way our words and actions affect others, and I'm glad the issues at our show were brought to my attention," she continued. "I promise to do my part in continuing to push myself and everyone around me to learn and grow. It's important to me and to Warner Bros. that everyone who has something to say can speak up and feels safe doing so."

Warner Brothers executive producers Ed Glavin, Mary Connelly, and Andy Lassner have released a joint statement to BuzzFeed addressing many claims of toxicity, 

"Over the course of nearly two decades, 3,000 episodes, and employing over 1000 staff members, we have strived to create an open, safe, and inclusive work environment. We are truly heartbroken and sorry to learn that even one person in our production family has had a negative experience,” they said.

“It’s not who we are and not who we strive to be, and not the mission Ellen has set for us. For the record, the day to day responsibility of the Ellen show is completely on us. We take all of this very seriously and we realize, as many in the world are learning, that we need to do better, are committed to do better, and we will do better."

Despite the claims, People magazine confirmed this week that the show will be returning for its 18th season this September. 

What do you think of Katy Perry standing up for DeGeneres amid the controversy? Let us know in the comments and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!