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Ellen Degeneres Admits It Was ‘Devastating’ to Be Labelled as Mean Following Toxic Workplace Allegations

Photo Credit: Alberto Rodriguez / E! Entertainment / NBCUniversal / NBCU Photo Bank / Getty Images
Photo Credit: Alberto Rodriguez / E! Entertainment / NBCUniversal / NBCU Photo Bank / Getty Images

The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2003-22) was once a beloved staple of daytime television, known for its upbeat atmosphere, celebrity guests and the infectious charm of its host. However, it became the center of controversy after allegations surfaced in 2020 about a toxic workplace environment. Following this, the show’s viewership sharply declined, resulting in its cancellation.

Host Ellen DeGeneres also took a hit. In her new – and final – comedy special, she addresses what happened, offering her own perspective and revealing what’s she’s learned as a result of her fall from grace.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2003-22)

Ellen DeGeneres holding two Daytime Emmy Awards
Photo Credit: Mathew Imaging / FilmMagic / Getty Images

The Ellen DeGeneres Show premiered in September 2003, quickly becoming one of the most popular talk shows on television. It became known for Ellen DeGeneres‘ upbeat personality, celebrity interviews, musical performances and heartwarming moments with everyday people.

Over the years, the show garnered multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and became a cultural staple, drawing millions of viewers and fans. However, despite its initial and longtime success, The Ellen DeGeneres Show ended its run in May 2022, after 19 seasons. This followed public controversy surrounding allegations of a toxic work environment, which were revealed by BuzzFeed News in 2020, tarnishing the show’s previously positive image.

While DeGeneres addressed the claims at the time, the show’s popularity waned, leading to its end.

Allegations of a toxic work environment

Ellen DeGeneres sitting on the set of 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show'
Photo Credit: Brooks Kraft / Getty Images

The aforementioned allegations came from multiple former employees, who accused The Ellen DeGeneres Show of fostering a toxic work environment.

While BuzzFeed News was first to report them, several others emerged detailing incidents of racism, intimidation and unfair treatment behind the scenes. Some employees claimed they were fired after taking medical leave or attending funerals, while others reported experiencing racial micro-aggressions and feeling afraid to speak-out against their treatment.

As the allegations gained traction, Ellen DeGeneres herself was criticized for allegedly allowing such a culture to exist on her set, especially considering she used to close her shows with the phrase, “Be kind to one another.” While the accusations were largely directed at senior producers, DeGeneres also was held accountable.

In response, she issued an apology to her staff and addressed the controversy publicly, vowing to make changes to improve the set’s work environment.

Ellen DeGeneres addresses the allegations in a Netflix comedy special

Ellen DeGeneres standing on stage, holding a microphone
Photo Credit: Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Ellen DeGeneres has just released her final comedy special, Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval, during which she addresses the allegations made against her and reveals what life is like after having moved past it.

“I’m happy not being a boss or a brand or a billboard, just a person,” she says. “Just a multifaceted person with different feelings and emotions, and I can be happy and sad and compassionate or frustrated. I have OCD and ADD. I’m honest. I’m generous. I’m sensitive and thoughtful. But I’m tough, and I’m impatient, and I’m demanding. I’m direct. I’m a strong woman.”

She continues, “When you’re a public figure, you’re open to everyone’s interpretation. And I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that, ‘What other people think of me is none of my business.’ Because people will say all kinds of things and you have no control over that. But you know the truth and that’s all that matters.”

However, DeGeneres did admit it was an extremely difficult time in her life, telling the audience in the Netflix special, “Honestly, I’m making jokes about what happened to me, but it was devastating, really. I just hated the way the show ended. I love that show so much and I just hated that the last time people would see me is that way.”

Ellen DeGeneres used to care what people think… But not anymore

Ellen DeGeneres sitting on a couch
Photo Credit: Randy Holmes / Getty Images

In the special, Ellen DeGeneres got candid about how she used to “care what people think,” due to her career in comedy, as “it’s our only real currency for success.”

She says, “If they like you, you’re in, and if they don’t, you’re out. And I’ve spent an entire lifetime trying to make people happy and I’ve cared far too much what other people think of me. So, the thought of anyone thinking that I’m mean was devastating to me, and it consumed me for a long time.”

However, over time, the comedian’s been able to gain some “perspective” that’s helped her grow. “After a lifetime of caring, I just can’t anymore. So I don’t,” she reveals. “But if I’m being honest… and I have a choice of people remembering me as someone who was mean or someone who was beloved. Be-lov-ed? Beloved? Beloved. Someone who is beloved? I choose that.”

More from us: Eric Roberts Pens ‘Public Apology’ to Sister Julia Roberts in New Memoir

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At the close of the special, DeGeneres receives a standing ovation from the audience. However, it’s received mixed reviews, with some critics calling it “shameless,” “unfunny” and “self-pitying.”

Samantha Franco

Samantha Franco is a Freelance Content Writer who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Guelph, and her Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Western Ontario. Her research focused on Victorian, medical, and epidemiological history with a focus on childhood diseases. Stepping away from her academic career, Samantha previously worked as a Heritage Researcher and now writes content for multiple sites covering an array of historical topics.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys reading, knitting, and hanging out with her dog, Chowder!

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