By Lynn Elber, Television Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --Ellen DeGeneres says she'll be ready to talk when her daytime show returns this month after a staff shake-up prompted by allegations of a toxic workplace.
"I can't wait to get back to work and back to our studio. And, yes, we're gonna talk about it," DeGeneres said in a statement announcing the show's Sept. 21 start of its 18th season.
Tiffany Haddish will join DeGeneres for the kick-off episode, with "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to be taped at Warner Bros. minus an in-studio audience, which is commonplace during the pandemic.
The first month's list of high-profile guests reads like a a rebuttal to questions about how DeGeneres and her show are perceived in the industry amid the controversy that cut against the host's kindly image.
Kerry Washington, Alec Baldwin and Chrissy Teigen are set for the first week, with Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, Adam Sandler and Orlando Bloom appearing later in September, the show said.
Stephen "tWitch" Boss, a longtime guest DJ on the show and among those who have publicly supported DeGeneres, will guest host some fall episodes.
Last month, three of the show's producers exited amid allegations of a dysfunctional workplace that harbored misbehavior including sexual misconduct and racially insensitive remarks.
An internal company investigation of work conditions was prompted by a BuzzFeed News report in July based on 36 interviews with ex-staffers, who complained about or said they witnessed improper and unfair treatment. The people making the claims were not identified.
When DeGeneres told staffers of the changes in a video conference call, she reportedly said she found claims about the show's environment to be "heartbreaking."
The comedian and host had sent a memo to her staff after the BuzzFeed report, recalling her early promise of ensuring a workplace where "everyone would be treated with respect." Something changed, she said, "and for that, I am sorry."
In a July statement, Warner Bros. said parent company WarnerMedia's investigation revealed what it called "some flaws in the show's daily management."
Although not all of the allegations were corroborated, the studio said it was "disappointed that the primary findings of the investigation indicated some deficiencies related to the show's day-to-day management."
No details were specified at the time, and Warner Bros. had no further comment last month beyond confirming the producers' departures.
Actor Tony Todd, known for his role in “Candyman” and other films, dies at 69
Actor Tony Todd, known for his haunting portrayal of a killer in the horror film "Candyman" and roles in many other films and television shows, has died, his longtime manager confirmed. He was 69.
Todd died Wednesday at his home in the Los Angeles area, his manager Jeffrey Goldberg said in a statement to The Associated Press.
"I had the privilege to have Tony as my friend and client for over 30 years and I will miss that amazing man every single day," Goldberg said.
"Known worldwide for his towering presence, both physically and artistically, Tony leaves behind an indelible legacy in film, theater, and the hearts of those who had the honor of knowing him," Goldberg's management company said in announcing the death.
"We bid farewell to Tony Todd, a giant of cinema and a beloved soul whose impact on our lives and the world of film will never be forgotten," it said.
Todd's film resume included roles in award-winning movies such as the Oliver Stone-directed classic "Platoon," released in 1986.
Todd was also known for his role in the 2000 horror film "Final Destination" and its sequel in 2003. The film company New Line Cinema mourned Todd's death on social media over the weekend:
"The industry has lost a legend," the company said on Instagram. "We have lost a cherished friend. Rest in peace, Tony."
In "Candyman," released in 1992 and followed by a remake in 2021, Todd played a menacing killer who had a hook on one arm. The premise is built around an urban myth that Candyman roamed the Cabrini-Green housing projects in Chicago and could be summoned by saying his name five times in front of a mirror. The 2021 movie explores societal problems such as racism and police brutality.
Todd's television career... Read More