Ellen’s DJ says he feels ‘genuine love’ working on her show

Stephen 'tWitch' Boss is the latest celebrity to come to DeGeneres’s defence.
August 12, 2020 12:48 p.m. EST
August 21, 2020 9:14 a.m. EST
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Since an investigative report published by Buzzfeed came out on July 16 where several former employees of The Ellen DeGeneres Show came forward to accuse the host and her producers of creating a "toxic work environment" including allegations of microaggressions, racism and sexual assault, several of DeGeneres’s famous friends have stepped forward to show their support for the daytime host. And now her longtime DJ Stephen 'tWitch' Boss is joining the fray.Speaking to E! News, Boss said that he feels “blessed on a daily basis” to be part of DeGeneres’ show. "You know, there hasn't been too many gigs where you feel it every day and build a genuine love from front to back. And the audience, being so happy to be there and ready to dance and ready to laugh and have a good time," said Boss.[video_embed id='2005847']RELATED: Ellen DeGeneres addresses 'toxic' workplace allegations: 'I am sorry'[/video_embed]The So You Think You Can Dance alum has been a staple on the long-running series since joining the cast in 2014. In addition to providing the music for the dance-friendly show, Boss often interacts with DeGeneres during her monologue and helps to host games between DeGeneres and guests. Boss has also guest hosted the daytime talk show in DeGeneres’ absence and is the announcer for her Game of Games show. The professional dancer has also continued building his career in film and TV during his time working with Ellen, including a starring role in Magic Mike XXL and a role as this season’s guest judge on World of Dance.
Boss took over the DJ role from Tony Okungbowa, who was DeGeneres’ DJ from 2003 to 2006, returning in 2007 and remaining with the show until 2013. Okungbowa, who is currently starring on Bob Hearts Abishola, has also commented on his time on the talk show, although his remarks are in contrast to Boss’ experience.“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,” wrote Okungbowa in an Instagram post earlier this month.Boss is one of the only current employees to speak publicly about his experience working for DeGeneres since the allegations against the comedian and her producers were levied. Following Buzzfeed’s initial report, DeGeneres’ producers released a joint statement, saying that they have "strived to create an open, safe, and inclusive work environment” and were "truly heartbroken and sorry to learn that even one person in our production family has had a negative experience."DeGeneres has also issued an apology to her staff in a letter that was obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. “On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness — no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect,” wrote DeGeneres. “Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry. Anyone who knows me knows it’s the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show.” In the same letter to staff, DeGeneres also announced that Warner Bros. would be launching an internal investigation following the allegations.In addition to Boss, Kevin Hart, Katy Perry, Scooter Braun, Samantha Ronson, Jerry O’Connell, Brandi Carlise and DeGeneres’s wife Portia de Rossi have all spoken out in support of of the host. DeGeneres has also had her detractors, including Brad Garrett and Lea Thompson, who agree that DeGeneres is a challenging person to work with.[video_embed id='2003272']Before you go: ‘Ellen DeGeneres Show’ workplace under investigation by WarnerMedia[/video_embed]

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