Ellen Producer Andy Lassner Addresses Talk Show Controversy

‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ producer Andy Lassner broke his silence on Instagram on Sunday following allegations of a toxic work environment at the daytime talk show. Lassner’s post comes after a spokesperson for Warner Bros. told ET that executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman had parted ways with the program. Mary Connelly, Andy Lassner and Derek Westervelt will remain at the show as executive producers alongside Ellen DeGeneres. House DJ Stephen "tWitch" Boss was also named co-executive producer.

Exclusives from #ETonline :

[zzzroxyzzz]

I hope Andy never changes. He's one of the only people on that show I think I trust being who he actually is. Clearly there's a lot of fake running around that studio.

[edsonvcn]

He is one of the main targets of Ellen's cruelty, he has a job that probably pays very well, so he takes it in silence.

[melodyault]

Andy, I hope you're okay. I often feel that Ellen forces you to do things that you're not comfortable doing. I really like you. I have no respect for Ellen now. She is ultimately responsible for the show and has to be aware of what goes on there each day. If you are happy there, I am relieved. I won't be watching the Ellen show any longer nor will I watch her game show. She's really disappointed me. Be happy Andy- you're a wonderful person who brought joy to people. Take care.

[haninhk]

“Apologize to anyone whose feelings were hurt.”

What kind of statement is that? Damn, just apologize like a human being. “I apologize for hurting you” it’s better than “sorry that you feel this way”. This is more like a PR thing than an actual sincere apology.

[trenakeyes]

It sounds like her "apology " wasn't actually an apology because she only apologized to anyone who's feelings were hurt not apologies for being a horrible, heartless, down right mean boss. It's like someone saying "I'm sorry you took what I said wrong". That's not an apology. Just because you say the words "I'm sorry " doesn't automatically make it an apology

[elizabethmichaels]

I've been on the show twice and I had heard from people working there that the working environment was toxic. I had heard Ellen was not great to be around. I admit, I have seen many of the shows and liked that she would give things away but after a few guests made comments that they didn't even say Hello to her, it made me think everything she did was for the ratings and not genuine. She liked other celebrities and bragged about it. She called all of them her wonder who would support her now.

[rosg]

You can’t fake real heart and warmth. Hence Regis Philbin is missed.

[troykruse]

He didn’t address anything! Clickbait!

[tinal]

Why don't they just cancel this show already...it's been on for way too long & has certainly jumped the shark🦈.😏

He sounds pretty smug. Nothing seems to have changed. Looks like the workplace will continue being a toxic environment.

[lynnstevens]

You don't even sound genuine...Didn't know you left, and I really don't care!!

[ringoffire]

If 2 of the executive producers walked away, it means there is something to it or that they're worried their reputation would be ruined, were they to stay. On the other hand, Andy also gets to star somewhat on her show, and despite her "bullying" him on live tv, he gets something out of it on social media. FOLLOWERS and big big LOVE from people who enjoy seeing him getting scared by her so many times on TV. What an odd reason to follow and like someone, right? And of course, people would follow an executive/producer on social media if they can get a chance, maybe even a short cut, to be in the audience of Ellen's show, because who doesn't want to get a present. Ellen's show is a year-round Christmas holiday. Believe me or not, For the first time I for once, after more than 25 years, stood up to someone who abused me, while I never did it before because I was afraid to be a bad person. I never wanted to harm anyone by standing up for myself and protect myself because I was more worried about how that would affect what would come next. Their family, friends... they'd hate me for being "bad" just because I would dare to stand up for myself. No one can always be only good. It doesn't exist. Oneself can not judge themselves if they're good or bad, neither will their action tell.
And btw, humble people don't go around telling they are humble, because for that humbleness losses it's meaning. Never the less, they do not think they are and they'll do more to be humble. After all, a cheater doesn't tell and reveal everyone they're cheating.

[deezntz-narvaez]

Really?? C'mon now! This was "the roughest time" of YOUR life?? It seems disingenuous when you don't address or express any sorrow for the people working under your leadership... While working for Ellen, The employees went through YEARZZZ of the worst moments of their lives because you decided to be complicit in their struggle to work in a toxic work environment that YOU had the ability to change... I don't feel sorry for what you've "been through" in the "last few months." I feel sorry for the employees who had to put with Ellen's abusive diva behavior! I used to LOVE Ellen before all this, I was a huge fan... You, Ellen and every other producers on the show don't deserve mercy and forgiveness if you can't even come out strongly against her abusive behavior! It's time... it's PASSED time for this show to end because it's people like you, Ellen and all of the others producers on her show to be canceled for good! None of you are nice people! #CancelEllen

[lkaufman]

Saying your sorry that people’s feelings were hurt isn’t an apology. You’re basically saying that they’re too sensitive and nobody did anything wrong.

[timelessmusicfamilymusic]

That would never happen on Judge Judy, if they accuse her of being mean to her staff, it wouldn't be any different from the way she treats people who show up in her court room.

[sarahcolangelo]

I don't think complaining about a waitresses cracked nail polish is Ellen worrying about the important stuff. Just saying🙄

[blancaavila]

She has bullied him and humiliated him, I hope they cancel the show all those people coming forward can't be lies, being nice was fake only for ratings, and she's not even saying anything about it not even defending herself probably taking time to plot her move

[tedcleveland]

“Didn’t know anything that was going on”

what is she? working as chairman in the Samsung corporate or something? Even working in the big corporate company, you will know or at least heard the drama that’s going on in others department

[williamcasey]

SGood for you Andy. I feel you and Ellen have a special bond. To all the haters tell them. Goodbye

[Joeboyify]

I have never thought Ellen was genuine ... i can't judge as i don't know her or have the facts but my instinct tells me that she's completely self absorbed.