Ellen DeGeneres Kicked Off The Season 18 Premiere Of “Ellen” With A Big Apology
It was touch and go for a second, but the Ellen show returned today for its 18th season (“touch and go” might also be used to describe the alleged work history of three of her former producers). Ellen DeGeneres booked it out of her studio in March, to quarantine at home, but she couldn’t isolate herself from all the allegations that she’s an awful, abusive boss who ran a terrible workplace. After some “will they/won’t they” regarding if the show would come back this fall at all, the 18th season of Ellen premiered today and as promised, Ellen addressed the whole situation.
Ellen returned to the studio, which was filmed in a very limited capacity. There was DJ tWitch, and a couple of producers and camera operators. The audience was filled with large TV screens broadcasting grainy low-res video of Ellen fans watching and cheering from home. Ellen, dressed in a lovely Sincerity White turtleneck and Apologetic Cream blazer with a fresh dye job (Remorseful Blonde 440), stared directly into the camera and reiterated what we’ve heard previously. Ellen discovered that her workplace was toxic, and since it’s her name plastered all over the walls, she’s got to take responsibility for what went down behind the scenes. via BuzzFeed:
“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,” DeGeneres said. “I take that very seriously and I want to say I am so sorry to the people who were affected. 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.”
She also promised that the Ellen show isn’t the same Ellen show that is has been for the previous 17 seasons.
“This is The Ellen DeGeneres Show. I am Ellen DeGeneres. My name is there, my name is there, my name is on underwear. We have had a lot of conversations over the last few weeks about the show, our workplace, and what we want for the future. We have made the necessary changes and today we are starting a new chapter.”
But the allegations weren’t just about the alleged workplace toxicity. A whole lot of allegations made about Ellen have been about who she might fundamentally be as a person, and that her “be kind” message is BS. Ellen attempted to explain the sad reason for why she started telling people to be kind. But she also kind of dodged any real, true accountability by dismissing any and all allegations that she’s a big-time meanie.
“There were also articles in the press and on social media that said that I am not who I appeared to be on TV, because I became known as the ‘be kind’ lady. And here’s how that happened: I started saying, ‘be kind to one another’ after a young man named Tyler Clementi took his own life after being bullied for being gay. I thought the world needed more kindness and it was a reminder that we all needed that, and I think we need it more than ever right now. Being known as the ‘be kind’ lady is a tricky position to be in. So let me give you some advice out there if anybody’s thinking of changing their title or giving yourself a nickname, do not go with the ‘be kind’ lady. Don’t do it. The truth is I am that person that you see on TV.”
Ellen’s workplace? Bad. Ellen? Very good, very nice, dances in fun shoes. Got it. Although I’m sure it won’t be long before someone comes forward under the safety of anonymity saying, “Well, actually…”
Only time will tell if Ellen really has changed for the better. The truth will eventually be revealed about her true character, and I personally believe it will be shown during a test of her soul. Will Ellen just give away the 2021 Mazda 3 Turbo with no evil strings attached like a kind daytime TV host? Or will she look at the nearest producer and declare, “Screw the good PR, I’m gonna psychologically torture them first.”
Pic: YouTube