Sherri Shepherd‘s longtime Executive Producer and sidekick Jawn Murray quit the talk show, leaving Sherri “crushed,” according to RadarOnline.
Murray’s departure comes amid behind-the-scenes speculation that he was difficult to work with.
A spokesperson for the show told RadarOnline: “We can confirm that he is no longer with the show and beyond that we do not comment on personnel matters.”
Murray’s high-powered attorney was more direct: “To be clear, the precise circumstances of his professional decisions are not your or the public’s concern.”
Laywer Trent Copeland added: “Mr. Murray is a respected and established media host and producer with an impeccable record. Baseless accusations or rumors from ‘sources’ that seek to discredit his career and reputation will be met with immediate and vigorous resistance.”
According to RadarOnline, Murray was the subject of complaints to HR after he posted a video clip on social media.
“Is this a cultural thing? I’ve been noticing that predominantly the Black people in the bathroom wash their hands and some of the others don’t,” he said.
Murray’s colleagues assumed he was talking about their handwashing hygiene.
Murray was Sherri’s closest friend and a confidant, who previously hosted TV shows for Travel Channel, EPIX and NFL Network. Ebony magazine named him one of the “30 on the Rise” to watch in the industry.
He appeared as a panelist on talk shows like “The Meredith Vieira Show” and “The Wendy Williams Show.”
Murray was also a writer for the Huff Post and NY Daily News, among other publications.
