Ellen DeGeneres' public image and career took a dramatic hit following accusations of a toxic work environment and personal demeanor contradictory to her public persona of kindness.
According to Daily Mail, these allegations led to a significant drop in her show's ratings and her decision to leave showbiz after her next Netflix special.
Ellen DeGeneres' fall from grace began in March 2020, when comedian Kevin T. Porter tweeted about her alleged mean behavior, gathering over 2,600 stories from the public.
Despite her reputation as a friendly and clean comic, rumors about her not being as nice as she appeared had circulated for years. The backlash intensified when she was seen with former President George W. Bush at a Dallas Cowboys game, given his anti-LGBTQ policies and the Iraq War.
Ellen defended her friendship with Bush on her show, emphasizing kindness to everyone, regardless of differing beliefs. However, Nikkie de Jager, a trans beauty blogger, expressed disappointment with her experience on Ellen's show, describing Ellen as "cold and distant." Further allegations of a toxic workplace culture, including racism, bullying, and sexual harassment, led to the firing of three executive producers.
WarnerMedia launched an internal investigation into the show's workplace culture, and Ellen apologized to her staff and promised changes to ensure a respectful environment. Her former DJ, Tony Okungbowa, and celebrities like Brad Garrett and Lea Thompson also spoke about the negative experiences associated with Ellen.
The ratings of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" declined significantly, and the show concluded in May 2022 after 19 seasons. Ellen described the backlash as a "coordinated misogynistic" attack and has since remained mostly out of the public eye. Ellen's career highlights include her coming out episode in 1997, voicing Dory in "Finding Nemo," and various hosting roles, including the Emmy and Academy Awards.
Despite the controversy, some celebrities like Ashton Kutcher, Katy Perry, and her wife, Portia de Rossi, defended Ellen. The show featured high-profile guests and was known for viral moments, contributing to its initial popularity. Throughout its run, the show had a substantial influence, receiving numerous Emmy nominations and wins.
In a memo to her staff, Ellen acknowledged the issues within her show:
On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness — no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect. Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry. As we've grown exponentially, I've not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I'd want them done. Clearly some didn't. That will now change, and I'm committed to ensuring this does not happen again.
Ellen announced her decision to leave showbiz, stating, "This is the last time you're going to see me. After my Netflix special, I'm done." Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in television history, overshadowed by the allegations and her efforts to rectify the issues within her workplace.
Ellen's journey from a beloved talk show host to facing allegations of a toxic work environment serves as a cautionary tale in the entertainment industry. While her show was celebrated for its entertainment value and influence, the controversies surrounding her personal behavior and workplace culture have left a lasting impact on her legacy.
Ellen DeGeneres' career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, from her groundbreaking coming out episode to the recent controversies. Despite the allegations, her influence in the entertainment industry remains significant.
Her decision to step away from showbiz marks the end of an era for her and her show. The discussions around workplace culture and personal conduct will likely continue to shape the industry. Ellen's legacy will be remembered both for her contributions and the lessons learned from her fall from grace.
