More shady business: Ellen DeGeneres’ crew are ‘furious over reduced pay and poor communication’
TV host Ellen DeGeneres is once again the center of attention for her alleged shady businesses. Now, her crew have been seething over reduced pay and poor communication, according to new reports.
It’s claimed employees were upset they received no written communication setting out their working hours or pay.
Prior to coronavirus, the core workers was made up of a team of more than 30 people to ensure the smooth production of the show. But now, since the lockdown Ellen has been broadcasting her show from her own mansion remotely in California and only four crew members have been needed to work on the home version.
Nearly all crew members were warned about a 60% wage reduction while the show continues to be broadcast, according to sources.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros. Television – who distribute the show – told the publication: “Our executive producers and Telepictures are committed to taking care of our staff and crew and have made decisions first and foremost with them in mind.”
Warner Bros. Television also noted the crew had been paid throughout the period but at reduced hours.
The distributor told Variety communications could have been better but blamed the chaos on the outbreak.
DeGeneres vowed to keep the show going because she championed supporting her staff and crew at this difficult time.
She said: “[It was for] my staff and crew. I love them, I miss them, the best thing I can do to support them is to keep the show on the air.”