Ellen DeGeneres is finally speaking out about the not-so-flattering rumors swirling around her and her show for months.
During the premiere of Season 18 of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the talk show host went on camera to directly address the allegations of workplace toxicity and her personal behavior.
“As you may have heard, this summer there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show. And then there was an investigation. I learned that things happened here that never should have happened…I take that very seriously. I’m so sorry to the people who were effected,” Ellen began.
“I know that I am in a position of privilege and power. I take responsibility for what happens at my show….We have had a lot of conversations the last few weeks…we have made the necessary changes. Today, we are starting a new chapter,” she promised.
“There were also articles in the press and on social media that said who I am not who I appear to be on TV…Being known as the ‘Be Kind’ lady is a tricky position to be in. The truth is, I am that person that you see on TV. I am also a lot of other things. Sometimes I get sad, I get mad, I get anxious, I get frustrated, I get impatient. I am working on all of that. I am a work in progress,” she added. “I don’t think I’m that good [of an actress] that I could come out here every day for 17 years and fool you. This is me. And my intention is to always be the best person I can be. And if I’ve ever let someone down, if I’ve ever hurt their feelings, I am so sorry for that.”
Over the summer, The Ellen DeGeneres Show became the subject of controversy – so much so that WarnerMedia has launched an investigation to look into it current and former employees’ claims of a “toxic work experience” on the set. This followed after one current and 10 former employees of the Ellen DeGeneres Show spoke to Buzzfeed News about their behind-the-scenes experiences. No specific claims about Ellen herself were made, but according to the article, the producers running the show made working on the set “toxic” for many. Ellen previously addressed those allegations in a letter to her crew.
Several Hollywood stars have voiced their support for Ellen – including Ashton Kutcher, Kevin Hart Diane Keaton, Jerry O’Connell, and Katy Perry. However, not everyone shared the same sentiments.
