NBC Entertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy has been ousted from the company following allegations that he fostered an abusive, toxic workplace behavior.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Telegdy's role will not be replaced. An investigation into NBC's workplace culture will continue. Frances Berwick will now oversee programming strategy and content as the head of a new Entertainment Business group across all NBCUniversal networks.
THR previously reported on the allegations against Telegdy, which began when former America's Got Talent judge Gabrielle Union filed a complaint against the show in February. Union's complaint was alleged "racism, sexism and a toxic work environment" she experienced on America's Got Talent. Telegdy was included in the complaint, with Union alleging the chairman tried to silence her while an investigation into the workplace conditions was underway.
Another former America's Got Talent judge, Sharon Osbourne, also claimed she was threatened in 2012 by Telegdy. Osbourne claimed Telegdy threatened her when he became aware that the Osbourne family was going to hold a press conference to protest Jack Osbourne's removal from the Stars Earn Stripes reality-competition show. "He said, 'Go fuck yourself,'" Osbourne recalled. "If you call the press you'll never work in this town, you fucking witch.'" Telegdy denied the accusation through a spokesperson. Sources claimed Telegdy mocked gay executives, used homophobic and misogynistic slurs, and made sexual comments about network talent.
"This narrative is not reflective of the values of NBC Entertainment or the culture we strive to create. 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," an NCB spokesperson said in a statement.