Ellen DeGeneres recounts hard time when she was ‘kicked out of show business’, Internet says ‘you are not innocent’

A BuzzFeed News report from July 2020 carried allegations of a toxic work environment on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show'
PUBLISHED APR 26, 2024
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the controversy surrounding her leaving her talk show (Getty Images)
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the controversy surrounding her leaving her talk show (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ellen DeGeneres, renowned comedian and former host of 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,' is opening up about the tumultuous period surrounding her departure from the daytime talk show.

During a recent standup routine at the Largo in Los Angeles, California, DeGeneres delved into the aftermath of the controversy that engulfed her in 2020.

Ellen DeGeneres reflects on talk show controversy

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Ellen DeGeneres speaks onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY A
Ellen DeGeneres talks about her 'toxic' workplace controversy (Getty Images)

Ellen DeGeneres, 66, humorously addressed rumors during her recent standup routine at the Largo in Los Angeles, joking about the prospect of being "kicked out of show business" for being "mean".

She addressed the BuzzFeed News report from July 2020, in which allegations of a toxic work environment on her show surfaced.

Reflecting on being dubbed the "most hated person in America," DeGeneres quipped about the irony of her "be kind" mantra being called into question. She humorously remarked about the headlines that portrayed her as a "one-dimensional character" who merely gave away prizes and danced, rather than embodying the kindness she espoused.

"The hate went on for a long time and I would try to avoid looking at the news," she recalled. "The 'be kind' girl wasn't kind. That was the headline."

As per People, DeGeneres humorously reflected on her talk show sign-off, "Be kind to one another", joking that it led people to see her as a "one-dimensional character who gave stuff away and danced up steps".

During a Q&A session with fans, DeGeneres candidly confessed that she struggled to "dance" during tough times, acknowledging that she couldn't always practice what she preached on her show.

"No... It's hard to dance when you're crying," she said, noting that she "had a hard time" and "didn't get out" amid the scandal.

DeGeneres revealed that her low spirits during the time started to affect her wife, Portia de Rossi, who nevertheless stood by her side through it all.

"She was watching it happen to me... she went through it with me."

Despite experiencing a period of being "persona non grata" for the second time since speaking openly after her sexual orientation in 1997, DeGeneres expressed that she's made peace with the trajectory of her career, thanks to the support of her wife, and they're both "dancing now".

"I'm making jokes about what happened to me, but it was devastating," she said. "It took a long time for me to want to do anything again."

DeGeneres confessed to disliking the way her show concluded, expressing her deep affection for it. She also expressed a desire for her final appearance on 'Ellen' not to be overshadowed by the public's negative perception of her.

DeGeneres expressed her happiness at returning to the stage and bringing some "joy" during "a scary time" to live. She emphasized the need for more laughter and less drama in the world.

Internet reacts to Ellen DeGeneres' statement

Ellen DeGeneres' recent comments addressing the controversies surrounding her tenure as the host of 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' have ignited a flurry of reactions online, with users expressing a range of opinions.

Some users took the opportunity to voice their grievances, accusing DeGeneres of creating uncomfortable environments for guests and staff during her time as host.

One user said, "You put a lot of people in uncomfortable situations as the host and you know it. You asked improper question made improper gestures etc. You are not innocent in all things said about you."

Another user wrote, "Why couldn't she just retired and stay out of the spotlight?! She has all the money in the world! Doesn't she realised she is not well liked, plus she was never that funny as a stand up comedian! Who is she going to make fun of?? How is she gonna punch up? "

One said, "I never thought I'd see the day where the world hated Ellen DeGeneres."

"Or…she could have just been a good person," a user said.

Another user wrote, "Your ego is the problem."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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