Ellen DeGeneres’ ex-staffer compares show environment to The Devil Wears Prada amid ‘toxic’ workplace claims

An ex-staffer has compared Ellen DeGeneres to fictional character Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, who was a tyrannical boss.

A former staffer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show claimed the program's environment could be compared to the film The Devil Wears Prada amid "toxic" workplace allegations.

The anonymous camera assistant recently called in for an interview on the Australian radio show, Stav, Abby & Matt, and recalled experiences on the popular talk show as well as interactions with Ellen DeGeneres, according to The Sun.

The ex-employee said: “I worked there for a little over a year. It‘s kind of like The Devil Wears Prada. Everyone is trying to make it to the (end of a) year. It’s just a badge of honour to have that and have it on your resume.”

RELATED: Only one way Ellen can salvage her career

RELATED: Katy Perry speaks out about Ellen

Ellen DeGeneres and Katy Perry on the Ellen Show. Picture: YouTube

The former staffer continued and claimed that people were not allowed in the same room as the comedian.

“Most people are told, ‘When Ellen enters the room, you and your entire crew need to leave’,” they went on. “Sometimes her bodyguards come forward first and you kind of see them and you know to leave and that’s it.”

However, while the 62-year-old has been hit with brutal “toxic” workplace claims, the anonymous source said Ellen probably has no idea of ”what‘s going on in her own show at all,” adding that she also has ”no idea” who everyone is on set.

Although they alleged that employees were often told there is a “line-up” for every employee‘s job and that ”if you don’t like it here, you can leave.”

People have called for Ellen DeGeneres to be cancelled amid the claims. Picture: FOX via Getty Images

The TV personality has been under scrutiny after numerous former employees accused her show of tolerating everything from bullying to racism to sexual harassment. Warner Bros. is now investigating the allegations.

Even former producer Hedda Muskat recently called Ellen a “toxic host,” and claimed the star once ”giggled” after executive producer Ed Glavin screamed at a crew member.

A past guest named Dana Dimatteo also previously claimed that Ellen “snapped” out of her ”kind” character when the cameras stopped rolling.

Ellen apologised for the allegations in a letter sent to employees, and admitted that she had to take responsibility as her name was at the top.

She added that as her program has grown, she had “not been able to stay on top of everything” and had instead “relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I’d want them done.”

An emotional Ellen DeGeneres after public backlash. Picture: Instagram

Ellen wrote: “Clearly some didn’t. That will now change and I’m committed to ensuring this does not happen again.”

Following the apology, staffers told The Sun that Ellen‘s “apology and denial that she knew anything was going on” regarding the alleged behind-the-scenes misconduct is “complete bull."

Ellen has had some support through this all as her wife Portia de Rossi has stood up for her, as well as her brother Vance.

Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi arrive at a premiere. Picture: Jason Merritt/Getty Images/AFP

He wrote on Twitter: “If you think Ellen would knowingly allow bullying or racism on her show, you don’t know my sister.

“She has been and continues to be a bright light in a dark world. She’s one of the kindest, most generous people you’ll ever meet. And one of the funniest.”

He continued on Facebook: “I‘m sick and tired of my sister being attacked. She always has – and always will – stand against bullying of any kind.

“She‘s a smart, strong woman who has made a positive difference in the world. And to my friends who did respond with support for Ellen and my family, thank you so much. It means a lot.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.