Ellen DeGeneres Reflects on Toxic Workplace Scandal, Apologizes to Staff

Ellen DeGeneres has opened up about the toxic workplace scandal that derailed her career and damaged her reputation in 2020. During a recent stand-up performance, DeGeneres apologized to staff and reflected on the allegations of a toxic work environment.

Ellen DeGeneres has broken her silence on the toxic workplace scandal that led to the end of her long-running talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." During a stand-up routine in Los Angeles on Wednesday, DeGeneres admitted that the allegations had taken a toll on her and acknowledged her shortcomings as a boss.

In 2020, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" was rocked by a series of bombshell accusations of a toxic work environment. Former employees alleged that there was a culture of fear and intimidation on set, with inappropriate behavior by some producers. One producer was reportedly at the heart of the complaints.

The allegations against DeGeneres and her show sent shockwaves through Hollywood and damaged her reputation. The comedian, who had long been known for her kindness and positivity, was suddenly facing accusations of being cruel and demanding.

Under pressure from the allegations, DeGeneres announced in 2021 that her show would be ending after 19 seasons. In a statement, DeGeneres apologized to her staff and acknowledged the need for change. The final episode aired in May 2022.

On Wednesday, DeGeneres returned to the comedy stage for the first time since the end of her show. During her set, she addressed the toxic workplace scandal directly.

"What else can I tell you?" she sarcastically told fans, according to Rolling Stone. "Oh yeah, I got kicked out of show business. There’s no mean people in show business."

DeGeneres admitted that she didn't know how to be a boss and suggested that her gender and sexuality played a role in the vitriol she faced.

DeGeneres confessed that the backlash she faced had taken a toll on her self-esteem and led her to question her worth.

"It’s been such a toll on my ego and my self-esteem. There’s such extremes in this business, people either love you and idolize you or they hate you, and those people somehow are louder," she said.

After her set, during an audience Q&A, DeGeneres reflected on how her show ended.

"Honestly, I’m making jokes about what happened to me but it was devastating, really," she said. "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."

DeGeneres' apology and reflection have been met with mixed reactions. While some have welcomed her willingness to take responsibility, others have expressed skepticism about her sincerity.

The toxic workplace scandal has been a major turning point in DeGeneres' career. It remains to be seen if she will be able to fully recover her reputation and return to the forefront of entertainment.