Ellen DeGeneres, who hosted her popular talk show for nearly two decades, experienced a drastic shift in public perception after claims of a toxic workplace environment surfaced in July 2020. Allegations from current and former employees detailed experiences of racism, mistreatment, and a culture that contradicted her well-known “be kind” mantra. While DeGeneres herself was not specifically accused of misconduct, it was suggested that those around her may have insulated her from the troubling realities on set.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which officially concluded on May 26, 2022, after 3,000 episodes, faced scrutiny following a Buzzfeed News report that triggered an internal review by WarnerMedia. DeGeneres and her producers publicly expressed their regret for the impact these experiences had on employees, reiterating their commitment to a respectful work environment.
In response to the controversy, DeGeneres addressed the claims during her stand-up special, “Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval,” released in 2024. In her routine, she joked about her fall from grace and reflected on the double standards women face in leadership roles. She acknowledged the lasting effects of the scandal, stating, “I’m making jokes about what happened to me, but it was devastating. It took a long time for me to want to do anything again.”
Despite the tumultuous end to her show, DeGeneres is gradually finding her way back into the comedy scene. She recently performed a three-night show in California, joking about the shifts in her life since her departure from the spotlight. Audience members noted that she mixed humor with candid reflections, displaying resilience in the wake of her challenges.
This return to comedy can be seen as a hopeful sign that DeGeneres is redefining her career path and embracing change. While her legacy as a talk show host may be forever altered, her determination to move forward suggests a commitment to personal growth and renewal.