Ellen DeGeneres' ex-staffers accuse her of 'misrepresenting narrative' in Netflix's 'For Your Approval'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ellen DeGeneres has long grappled with public perception, but in her recent Netflix special, 'For Your Approval', she declares that she “just can’t anymore.”

Speaking to an audience at Minneapolis’ Orpheum Theater, 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,” she opts for being beloved.

Throughout the Netflix special, Ellen DeGeneres attempts to reclaim her image by recounting her rise to fame and discussing the unfair media scrutiny she believes has targeted her, according to Rolling Stone. 

However, several former staffers from 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' contend that her routine “continues to invalidate and deny our experiences.”

Ellen DeGeneres faces criticism for misrepresenting her workplace culture in new special

Six former employees, who spoke anonymously to Rolling Stone due to fears of repercussions, argue that Ellen DeGeneres blurs the line between unflattering rumors and serious allegations of racism, sexual misconduct, and intimidation that emerged in 2020.

These claims led to an internal investigation and the firing of three producers.

“There’s a difference between your persona and the way that you were handled in the media versus the culture that you perpetuated which hurt a lot of people,” one former staff member stated. “She was misrepresenting the narrative and trying to reframe herself as not a bully…She really missed the mark.”

'For Your Approval', which began streaming on September 24, opens with a montage showcasing DeGeneres' career milestones, from her stand-up debut on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' to her critically acclaimed sitcom 'Ellen' and her long-running daytime talk show.

She states that she has been “kicked out of show business” twice: first for being gay and later for being seen as mean.

Ellen DeGeneres' attempt to shift blame draws criticism

While some former employees recognize that Ellen DeGeneres is trying to reshape the narrative about her show's conclusion in 2022, they argue that she still evades accountability for the allegedly toxic workplace culture.

“It feels like it’s manipulative,” one ex-employee expressed. “You’re titling the show For Your Approval, which suggests that you’re trying to guilt the audience into feeling bad for you, while simultaneously trying to empower yourself.”

At 66, DeGeneres has expressed her intention to step back from Hollywood after this special. However, former staffers are skeptical about whether this actually signifies the end of her public career.

They also point out the irony in her claim of being “kicked out of show business” while promoting her Netflix platform. “She made millions of dollars doing a Netflix special about how she got canceled,” one staffer noted. “Most people can’t get Netflix specials.”

One former employee, who admired DeGeneres while growing up, expressed disappointment in the behind-the-scenes workplace culture. While they sympathize with DeGeneres’ struggles in Hollywood, they argue that her experiences don’t diminish the pain her employees endured.

“I have empathy for what she went through back then, and I wish that she could have that empathy now,” they said.

Another former staffer criticized DeGeneres for comparing her cancellation to her coming out. They pointed out her use of passive language, suggesting that her misfortunes were imposed on her rather than acknowledging the consequences of her own actions.

“It’s impossible that ‘these are the consequences for my actions.’ That doesn’t even come into her brain,” they stated.

Ellen DeGeneres' positive reflections clash with employee experiences

Throughout the special, Ellen DeGeneres looks back on her leadership role on the show, sharing fond memories of her interactions with the staff.

However, former employees argue that the jovial atmosphere she describes was only experienced by a select few. “The favoritism was just so blatant,” one former staffer noted, emphasizing that the cheerful environment was not universal.

Many employees also found it ironic that DeGeneres spoke about the mental toll of cancellation, given their own struggles with mental health while working under her.

A former writer recalled feeling anxious because of DeGeneres' pranks, which occasionally included scaring the staff. "I would have nightmares for years that she was chasing me," they revealed.

The conversation about DeGeneres took a dramatic turn in March 2020 when comedian Kevin Porter made a viral social media post accusing her of unkind behavior.

DeGeneres' special mentions Porter's post, but he feels his comments have been taken out of context. “Those things are merely the consequences of her actions,” he noted, emphasizing how the special reinterprets her narrative.

Staffers react to Ellen DeGeneres’ special with disappointment and indifference

Reactions from former staffers to Ellen DeGeneres' special are mixed. While some criticized her comedy as lacking depth and labeled it “elementary,” others found a few jokes enjoyable. Overall, however, many felt the special did not resonate.

“When you’ve written for her and you’ve come up with jokes that were supposed to make her seem relatable…there’s nothing true about any of these,” one writer reflected.

While some former employees were curious enough to tune in, others expressed strong disinterest. “I don’t even want to look at her,” one staffer remarked, highlighting their desire to move on from the experience.

For one former employee, watching the special provided a sense of closure about their time on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show', even though DeGeneres did not take accountability for the issues raised.

“Without [her] taking really any responsibility…I did feel a little closure,” they remarked. “She’s back in comedian mode. I like her better there, anyway.”