Ashbrook was put on leave from "On Point" at the beginning of December 2017, when a group of current and former WBUR employees alleged he created a "toxic and emotionally unsafe work environment" for staff through bullying and publicly humiliating colleagues. Specific allegations filed by initially 11 (and later "at least 23" ) staffers included "Tirades directed at young women in the studio, name-calling, belittling critiques of show ideas during meetings, 'creepy' sex talk, inappropriate touching, hugs and back or neck rubs after a dressing down.". Ashbrook denies the allegations. In 2018 the program commenced being hosted by fill-in hosts including Ray Suarez and Jane Clayson.