Former Ellen Degeneres Show DJ Tony Okungbowa felt ‘toxicity’ on set

Former The Ellen Degeneres Show DJ Tony Okungbowa has spoken out about his experience of “toxicity” on the set of the daytime talk show.

British-American Okungbowa served as the resident DJ on the show from 2003 to 2006, then again from 2007 to 2013.

In the light of allegations of sexual misconduct and workplace bullying being made against staff on the show, Okungbowa, who also stars in US sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola, shared a picture from his time on the show to Instagram with a message of support for staff who had spoken out.

“I have been getting calls asking me about the Ellen Degeneres Show and I would like to address the time I spent there,” Okungbowa wrote. “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 and I stand with my former colleagues in their quest to create a healthier and more inclusive workplace as the show moves forward.”

The Independent has approached The Ellen Show for comment.

DeGeneres’s US talk show is currently undergoing an internal investigation following the allegations. While DeGeneres herself has not been personally accused of mistreating staff, she said in a statement that, as the face of the show, she took “full responsibility” for the situation.

Talk of presenters such as James Corden replacing Degeneres circulated online, however it was announced on Tuesday (4 August) that the long-running host would continue presenting the show for another season that will begin in September.

Celebrities such as Katy Perry, Kevin Hart and Degeneres’s wife Portia de Rossi have spoken out in defence of the presenter, with Perry tweeting: “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.”

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Hey Guys, 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 and I stand with my former colleagues in their quest to create a healthier and more inclusive workplace as the show moves forward.

Tony okungbowa