Ellen producer speaks out amid toxic workplace scandal

Ellen DeGeneres isn’t the only one addressing fans following the allegations of The Ellen DeGeneres Show being a toxic workplace. Following Ellen’s promise that she needs to “do better,” executive producer Andy Lassner has also broken his silence on the allegations and subsequent investigation that resulted in the firing of three of the show’s top producers.Lassner, an original EP who continues to work on the series following the investigation, returned to Instagram on August 30 following a nearly month-long hiatus from the platform. There he addressed what’s been going on with his followers. “Oh look who it is. If it isn't Andy Lassner," Lassner tells the camera while sitting in front of a garden. "Well, yes it is. Your eyes do not deceive you. I'm back. I've been away for a little bit, dealing with — you know, some stuff. You may have read about it," he adds with a small side smile.

 

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I’ve missed my people❤️

A post shared by Andylassner (@andylassner) on Aug 30, 2020 at 7:30pm PDT

[video_embed id='2017026']RELATED: ‘Ellen Show’ fires three top producers after investigation[/video_embed]It's been a couple of rough months. But it's when we go through these things, I guess, when we learn the most about ourselves, and maybe even some growth," he continues. "But to tell you it hasn't been rough would be a lie, and I've always been honest with you, so. It's been rough. But I'm back. I have been walking. I will now be walking for you guys again because let’s face it, what is life like when you’re not slow walking with Andy. Anyhow I love you guys; I miss you and I'll talk to you soon,” he wraps.Earlier this month three of Lassner’s co-workers, Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman and Jonathan Norman were let go from the series as a result of “damning allegations” following WarnerBros’ investigation into the claims by former and current employees about working conditions. Ellen herself informed employees of the shakeup during a teleconference call in which Lassner and fellow EP Mary Connelly also participated. At the time the trio revealed that the internal investigation showed “no evidence of systemic racism,” but that they realize more needs to be done for diversity and inclusion.Meanwhile Ellen has also revealed that she plans on addressing fans directly about the situation when the show returns for its 18^th season. The series is expected to return on September 14 following a three-season renewal back in May 2019. Lassner has worked on The Ellen DeGeneres Show since its launch in 2003. The EP continues to run things (remotely for now) alongside Connelly and fellow EP Derek Westervelt. He is also expected to work directly with newly promoted co-executive producer Stephen “tWitch” Boss. Ellen’s longtime DJ was elevated following the internal investigation, and the new gig gives him more influence in programming and in the overall work culture.Lassner and DeGeneres have worked together on several other projects, including some of the host’s primetime specials. He is the co-creator of the short-lived Wendi McLendon-Covey-hosted game show Repeat After Me, he is an executive producer on Ellen’s Game of Games, and he also contributed his talents behind-the-scenes to the 2014 Emmy Awards when DeGeneres hosted. Before solidifying his professional partnership with Ellen, Lassner spent three years as a supervising producer on The Rosie O’Donnell Show.[video_embed id='2024319']BEFORE YOU GO: Brad Pitt, 56, is dating 27-year-old model Nicole Poturalski.[/video_embed]