Twitter

NBC has launched an investigation into NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy following accusations of racism, sexism and homophobia. The Hollywood Reporter, which interviewed more than 30 current and former NBC employees, published a bombshell report this morning detailing claims that Telegdy created a toxic work environment at the network, where he was head of the reality division from 2009 to 2018.

Telegdy, who oversaw shows like The Voice, Ellen’s Game of Games and America’s Got Talent, reportedly made sexual remarks, ridiculed gay employees and would disparage the appearance of network talent with no consequences for his inappropriate actions.

Former AGT judge Gabrielle Union filed a complaint last month about the racist actions she encountered while working on the show, claiming that Telegdy threatened to intervene in an effort to silence Union during a workplace investigation. In response to the claims, NBC said, “The allegation that anyone involved in this process threatened Ms. Union is categorically untrue.”

Sharon Osbourne, another former AGT judge who appeared on the show for six seasons, told THR that she was also threatened by Telegdy. Osbourne recalled an incident in 2012 when NBC dropped her son, Jack Osbourne, from the show after he publicly revealed his MS diagnosis. When Telegdy found out that Osbourne and her family were planning to hold a press conference in protest, the entertainment boss lashed out. “He said, ‘Go fuck yourself,'” Osbourne said. “‘If you call the press you’ll never work in this town, you fucking witch.'” She ultimately left the show in 2012. Telegdy’s spokesperson denies Osbourne’s account.

Multiple sources also revealed that Telegdy clashed with some of NBC’s biggest producers, Law & Order creator Dick Wolf and longtime Saturday Night Live boss Lorne Michaels. Telegdy oversaw late night from 2011 to 2016, during which he reportedly urged Michaels to book NBC talent on late night shows, straining their working relationship. According to an anonymous source, Telegdy did not get along with Wolf, either. “There’s a certain way you deal with Dick and it’s respectful,” they said. “If you build trust, you can respectfully push back on things — and Paul never built that.”

In response to the THR report, NBC issued a statement announcing an investigation into claims against Telegdy. “This narrative is not reflective of the values of NBC Entertainment or the culture we strive to create,” they stated. “NBCUniversal takes these matters seriously, and will investigate these allegations, many of which are coming to our attention for the first time. NBCUniversal remains committed to creating a safe, respectful and supportive workplace for all.”

Telegdy issued his own response denying the negative accounts of his workplace behavior. “The nature of these allegations flies in the face of everything I stand for. I hope that my actions over decades — empowering those around me, supporting artists, and creating shows with values of aspiration and inclusion at the core — speak louder than the selective words of a few.”

Head to The Hollywood Reporter to read their full report of Telegdy’s workplace misconduct.