Ellen DeGeneres was once celebrated for her vibrant personality as a dancer, comedian, and longtime host of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Her catchphrase of promoting kindness resonated with fans, which made the recent allegations of a toxic workplace and misconduct by her show’s producers all the more shocking.
These claims contradicted the lighthearted image she had crafted throughout her career, which included her groundbreaking role on ABC’s “Ellen,” where she made history by coming out as a lesbian both personally and within the show. Despite facing severe backlash and her show being canceled in the 90s, DeGeneres returned to prominence in 2003 with her daytime talk show.
In her new Netflix special, “For Your Approval,” filmed at Minneapolis’s Orpheum Theatre, DeGeneres shares her experience of being ousted from show business due to allegations of unkind behavior.
Since concluding her talk show, DeGeneres has been focusing on raising chickens, playfully reflecting on their daily productivity as she once hosted a daily talk format. She also mentioned her decision to stop using Botox and fillers and her commitment to attending therapy. DeGeneres expressed that the negative attention she received in recent years took a toll on her mental health, leading her therapist to question her perception of widespread hatred directed at her.
Looking back at her time on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” DeGeneres fondly recalls the fun and camaraderie on set, describing it as a family. However, she recognizes her leadership style was immature, admitting she never intended to be a boss and lacked formal business training.
DeGeneres reflects on how her end-of-show message of kindness turned against her amid the allegations, suggesting that her public persona became overly simplified. She wonders how perceptions might have shifted had she expressed frustration instead of kindness.
On the topic of her expulsion from Hollywood, she pointed out the unwritten rules of acceptable behavior tied to gender and noted the consequences of not adhering to them. DeGeneres compared her latest experiences to being blacklisted in the 90s, asserting that her management style conflicted with societal expectations of how women should lead.
With her time in the spotlight seemingly coming to an end, DeGeneres prepares for what comes next after decades in the entertainment industry.