WATCH: Ellen Degeneres addresses toxic workplace in opening monologue of new season

"I take responsibility for what happens at my show"

The Ellen Degeneres show returned to US screens this week and, as promised, the comedian and host addressed the "toxic workplace" accusations in her opening monologue. The multi-award winning daytime show has been plagued with bad press since Buzzfeed news reported on a "toxic work culture" this past summer. Since then, there's been an internal investigation, multiple staff changes, and an all-staff zoom in which Degeneres herself apologised for her own behaviour. Following the internal investigation, WarnerBros parted ways with executive producer Ed Galvin, executive producer and head writer Kevin Lemah, and co-executive producer Jonathon Norman, all of whom were named in the initial report. In her opening monologue of Season 18, Degeneres said, "I learned that things happened here that should have never happened. I take that very seriously and I want to say I'm sorry to the people who were affected". The comedian continued with "I know that I am in a position of privilege and power and with that comes responsibility. I take responsibility for what happens at my show". Ellen was joined on the show by her DJ, Stephen 'tWitch' boss, who has been named as a new executive producer on the show and will also present some upcoming episodes. In further changes, the staff have been given five paid leave days as well as days off for doctors appointments and family events. You can check out the full opening monologue of Season 18 below: