Ellen DeGeneres is finally back for the 18th season of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The 62-year-old bravely addressed all the controversies thrown at her the past few months.
Ellen DeGeneres has faced controversy in the past months, including her set’s toxic work environment and mean persona.
On Monday, the Ellen Show host talked about the toxic workplace allegations in her opening monologue.
She first apologized to her viewers, saying that she is taking full responsibility for what happens on her show.
“This summer, there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show, and then there was an investigation,” DeGeneres spoke in her studio. “I learned that things happened here that never should have happened.”
“I take that very seriously, and I want to say I am so sorry to the people who were affected,” and added, “I know that I’m in a position of privilege and power and I realized that with that comes responsibility, and I take responsibility for what happens at my show.”
DeGeneres promises to make her workplace full of “happiness and joy” for the 270 people.
“I want to continue to help all the people that we help every day. And I’m committed to making this the best season that we have ever had,” she added.
Host addresses ‘Queen of Mean’ accusations
Besides talking about her show’s backstage chaos and drama, Ellen DeGeneres also addressed news of her fake “be kind” persona.
Right now we all need a little kindness. You know, like Ellen Degeneres always talks about! 😊❤️
She’s also notoriously one of the meanest people alive
Respond to this with the most insane stories you’ve heard about Ellen being mean & I’ll match every one w/ $2 to @LAFoodBank
— Kevin T. Porter (@KevinTPorter) March 20, 2020
For the first time since Kevin Porter exposed her to Twitter, DeGeneres said, “The truth is I am that person that you see on TV. I am also a lot of other things.”
Just like other people, the Finding Dory actress revealed she also get “sad,” “mad,” “anxious,” “frustrated,” and “impatient.”
However, she added that she’s “working on all of that,” as she is a “work in progress.”
She assured her viewers that her intention has always been “the best person [she] can be.”
Ellen DeGeneres ‘didn’t hold anything back’
Sources told People magazine that The Ellen DeGeneres Show star didn’t hold anything back saying her opening monologue.
They further added, “It was poignant and funny and very much a candid take on what happened over the summer.”
Weeks before the premiere, DeGeneres was said to have been talking to her employees via Zoom to make sure that her crew is all “valued” and “heard.”
The source added that on the day the premiere show was filmed, Ellen DeGeneres got applauds from her staff and her wife Portia de Rossi and thanked everyone.
“It was an emotional moment for everyone,” the source concluded.
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