What’s up everyone it’s Sussan Mourad here with Clevver News and following the claims
of a toxic work environment at the Ellen DeGeneres Show, it seems the dark shadow cast on the
show is here to stay.
Let’s get into it.
Earlier this year Ellen DeGeneres, most famously known for her TV show and catchphrase “Be
Kind to one another”, was called out by numerous employees and former employees for
cultivating a harsh, toxic and horrible work environment on set and behind the scenes.
It wreaked havoc for Warner Brothers and of course Ellen’s image and brand.
To kick off the 18th season Ellen addressed the many toxic workplace allegations, and
has taken full accountability for her alleged backstage behavior.
Ellen’s very first monologue consisted of an apology to her staff, as she took full
responsibility for anyone she may have hurt in the past.
In typical Ellen fashion, she kicked her monologue off on a light-hearted note, saying QUOTE,
“If you’re watching because you love me, thank you.
If you’re watching because you don’t love me, welcome!”
Ellen wasted no time in getting straight to the point and addressing the many allegations
of a toxic workplace environment in which racism, sexism, bullying and microaggressions
were detailed by many former and current employees.
Ellen said QUOTE “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.
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 then went on to acknowledge the allegations that many people had been waiting to hear
her speak out on, which centered around Ellen not being the same person behind the scenes
as she portrays on the show, and not abiding by her “be kind” mantra.
Ellen explained that she first started using the “be kind” mantra after a young man
named Tyler Clementi took his own life after being bullied for being gay.
She said QUOTE, “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.”
Ellen admitted, however, that being known as the “be kind” lady is a “tricky position
to be in,” and in a surprising turn of events, urged anyone hoping to abide by that mantra
on a regular basis to steer clear.
“The truth is, I am that person that you see on TV.
I am also a lot of other things.
Sometimes I get sad.
I get mad.
I get anxious.
I get frustrated.
I get impatient.
And I am working on all of that.”
Despite owning up to her mistakes and mismanagement… fans didn’t take too kindly to the apology
and some found it to be a bit fake & phoney.
And like I said earlier, it seems the toxic allegations and previous bad behavior Ellen
exuded is continuing to damage her new image.
It appears that A-list celebrities and talent are not wanting to appear on “The Ellen
Show.”
According to Buzzfeed News, sources with knowledge of the situation say the show is struggling
to book it’s usual A-list guests.
In addition to struggling to book talent, the show is reportedly losing both ratings
and advertisers, which in turn cuts into the ability to make top-tier quality content.
One employee told Buzzfeed News quote, “We’re trying to be a content house, but we have
no content.”
YIKES!
Buzzfeed revealed the show is having a very difficult time booking big name guests with
many a-list celebrities scared to be a part of Ellen’s “comeback tour.”
One anonymous publicist told the outlet quote, “I wouldn’t set up anyone on her show
right now to do anything that could possibly cause them more negative headlines.
You have to tread so carefully with your clients and your clients’ reputations, so you don't
want to put your client in any line of fire sympathizing with someone that any community
or anyone would feel bad about.
We’re not going to align anyone with Ellen.”
On the other end of things, one source "close to the show" said that there’s been “no
difficulty booking talent,” while another publicist said “The feedback we’ve been
getting is that Ellen is no longer a first choice for talent."
It seems this slippery slope is just getting more slippery for Ellen!
In fact she just revealed today that she has been diagnosed with Covid-19.
In her post she wrote, “Hi everyone, I want to let you all know that tested positive for
Covid-19.
Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now.
Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified and I am following CDC
guidelines.
I’ll see you all again after the holidays.
Please stay healthy and safe.
Love, Ellen.”
We are wishing Ellen and her staff a speedy recovery!
To get the full breakdown of what happened over the summer you can click right over here:
Then be sure to let me know your thoughts on A-List talent avoiding guest appearances
on “The Ellen Show” down in the comments below.
I’m your host Sussan Mourad, you can find me on Instagram @Sussan_Mourad, I’ll catch
you later.