NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy under investigation over toxic workplace culture -- Sharon Osbourne says he threatened to end her career

The Hollywood Reporter

In June, Gabrielle Union filed a complaint with the California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing alleging that Telegdy tried to "silence and intimidate" her for speaking out against racism on the America's Got Talent set. Now, former AGT judge Sharon Osbourne is alleging that Telegdy threatened her, too, in 2012. “He said, ‘Go f*ck yourself.' If you call the press you’ll never work in this town, you f*cking witch,’” Osbourne recalled to The Hollywood Reporter, describing Telegdy's alleged reaction when she said she'd go public with her allegation that her son Jack Osbourne was dropped from the reality competition series Stars Earn Stripes because he had disclosed his MS. Osbourne quit AGT over the dispute. Through his spokesman, Telegdy denies Osbourne’s account of the call. The Hollywood Reporter's Kim Masters and Lesley Goldberg report that they "interviewed more than 30 producers, executives and other current and former network insiders who say Telegdy, 49, presided over a toxic environment, particularly in the reality division, which he ran from 2009 until he was promoted to chairman in 2018. These insiders — who requested anonymity due to concerns about possible retaliation — say Telegdy and a top deputy have often violated workplace-conduct norms with no apparent consequences. On Telegdy’s watch, NBC’s alternative division generated major hits including The Voice, Ellen’s Game of Games and, of course, AGT, a show that has been duplicated in many countries and is said to be the most valuable format in the world. But sources say they have seen Telegdy mock gay executives, sometimes to their faces; use homophobic and misogynistic slurs; and disparage or make sexual comments about the physical appearance of network talent. Current and former insiders say they have heard Telegdy participate in what one former insider describes as 'appalling' discussions in the office that included crude sexual remarks." The report also alleges that Telegdy has a sour relationship with two of NBC's most powerful mega-producers: Dick Wolf and Lorne Michaels. When he oversaw late-night in 2011, Telegdy reportedly pushed Michaels to make changes to late-night that included booking more NBC talent. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, an NBC spokesperson says: “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.” NBC declined to elaborate on who would conduct the investigation. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Union says she believes the lack of apparent consequences after Telegdy allegedly threatened her with an investigation underway “speaks to the culture at NBC” and “shows very clearly that white male senior executives of NBC have a completely different set of rules that apply to them.” ALSO: The Hollywood Reporter's parent company reportedly tried to meddlle with its Paul Telegdy story, something that has happened before.