Ellen DeGeneres sought therapy to treat OCD and ADD after being canceled over alleged mean behavior
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Ellen DeGeneres is breaking her silence on a personal journey following her Hollywood fallout during her show, 'Ellen’s Last Stand … Up,' at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on August 1
In a candid revelation, the 66-year-old comedian shared that she has been in therapy to address her obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) after her publicized exit from Hollywood, where she faced criticism for being “mean.”
Ellen DeGeneres reflects on her OCD diagnosis with wife Porsha
Raised in the Christian Science faith, which traditionally does not recognize diseases or disorders, DeGeneres described how she later came to understand her own struggles through therapy.
She recounted realizing that her father exhibited symptoms of OCD, such as repeatedly checking the door or faucet.
This, prompting a conversation with her wife, Porsha. “I went home and asked Porsha, ‘Do you think that I may have OCD?’ And she said, ‘Yes, you do,’” DeGeneres revealed.
She confessed that while she never considered herself obsessive, viewing her behaviors as simply careful compared to what she perceived as others' carelessness, this new understanding was a significant part of her therapeutic journey, as per In Touch.
Ellen DeGeneres also addressed how her ADD was initially attributed to her time on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show.'
She noted that her experience with the show, where conversations were often limited to “five-minute segments,” made it challenging for her to engage in longer discussions without needing a break.
Reflecting on her journey, she expressed a desire to simply be seen as a multifaceted individual rather than just a public figure. “You know, and I’m happy to just not be a brand or a boss or a billboard, just a person, just a multifaceted person with different feelings and emotions,” DeGeneres shared. “I can be happy and sad and compassionate and frustrated and have OCD and ADD.”
'Ellen’s Last Stand … Up' tour might be the 'last curtain call'
Ellen DeGeneres concluded August 1 stand-upset by expressing pride in her personal growth despite the “devastating” rumors of her being “mean.”
“It consumed me for years,” she reflected. “And with time you gain perspective, that’s one good thing about aging.”
Announcing her 'Ellen’s Last Stand … Up' tour—a 27-show North American run that began in May—DeGeneres hinted it would be her “last curtain call” for live performances.
Robbie Praw, VP of Stand-Up and Comedy Formats at Netflix, praised DeGeneres, saying, “She is a true legend and pioneer in so many ways. We can’t wait to bring fans another one of her hilarious comedy specials later this year.”
This tour marks DeGeneres' return to stand-up following her decision to end her talk show in May 2021, after 19 successful seasons on air.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show ended after 'toxic' workplace allegations
Ellen DeGeneres announced her decision to end her talk show after the 19th season in May 12, 2021 following a BuzzFeed News report from July 2020.
The report detailed negative experiences on set, describing a “toxic” workplace with issues like penalization for medical leave, racial microaggressions, and a pervasive fear of retaliation for raising complaints.
“I really didn’t understand it; I still don’t understand it,” DeGeneres told Today in May 2021. “It was too orchestrated; it was too coordinated,” she said.
Expressing regret over the situation, she lamented that she wished someone had come forward to alert her about the problems.
“For me to read in the press about a toxic work environment, when all I’ve ever heard from every guest that comes on the show is what a happy atmosphere this is and what a happy place this is,” she said.
