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Media & Entertainment
April 26, 2024

Ellen DeGeneres Playfully Claims She Was 'Kicked Out' of Showbiz for Being 'Mean

Ellen DeGeneres jokingly suggests she was "kicked out" of showbiz for being "mean." This lighthearted remark likely refers to the controversy surrounding allegations of a toxic work environment on her talk show, which led to public scrutiny and a decline in her reputation. By addressing the situation with humor, DeGeneres may be attempting to acknowledge the criticism while also seeking to move forward positively.

Ellen DeGeneres speaks onstage during the 'Michelle Obama: The Light We Carry Tour' at Warner Theatre on November 15, 2022 in Washington, DC. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Live Nation

Ellen DeGeneres has resurfaced in the public eye, marking her return after two years since her eponymous talk show was canceled amidst allegations of a toxic workplace environment.

The once-prominent figure in daytime television faced a downfall following a 2020 investigation by Buzzfeed News, which revealed allegations from 10 former employees of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The employees reported instances of racism, intimidation, and sexual misconduct by top producers of the show. Following the report, three producers were dismissed, but The Ellen DeGeneres Show never managed to recover and concluded its run after 19 seasons.

Since then, DeGeneres has kept a low profile, making rare public appearances. However, her current endeavor, "Ellen’s Last Stand… Up Tour," marks her return to the spotlight.

At a recent performance at the Largo in Los Angeles, DeGeneres addressed her departure from the entertainment industry, humorously remarking that she "got kicked out of show business," as reported by People and Rolling Stone, which covered the comedy set.

During her recent performance, DeGeneres didn't shy away from addressing the controversies head-on, infusing her trademark humor into the situation.

She humorously remarked, "There’s no mean people in show business," poking fun at the industry's reputation. DeGeneres also reflected on her former persona as the "be kind" advocate, acknowledging how the scandal had tainted that image.

"I became this one-dimensional character who gave stuff away and danced up steps," she lamented, highlighting the reduction of her TV legacy to simplistic portrayals. DeGeneres even joked about how a departure from her usual kindness would have surprised audiences more than her infamous catchphrase.

While she previously apologized on-air for the allegations, she reiterated her accountability during her performance, admitting to her shortcomings as a manager. Acknowledging her lack of formal business training, she quipped about her unconventional path to leadership, joking about attending "Charlie’s Chuckle Hutt" instead of business school.

DeGeneres also drew parallels between her current situation and her past struggles, recalling the cancellation of her sitcom Ellen in 1998 after publicly coming out as gay.

Through humor and introspection, DeGeneres navigated the complexities of her public image, offering a glimpse into her journey of acceptance and growth amidst adversity.

DeGeneres continued to address her past experiences with a blend of humor and vulnerability during the audience Q&A segment.

She candidly shared her feelings about the end of her talk show, expressing how much she cherished it despite the challenges she faced. Opening up about the emotional toll of the ordeal, she revealed that it took her a considerable amount of time to regain her motivation to pursue new projects.

Despite the adversity she faced, DeGeneres demonstrated resilience by returning to the stage with her "Ellen’s Last Stand… Up Tour." The tour, which spans across the western United States, serves as both a comedic reflection on her past and a testament to her enduring spirit. With plans for a Netflix special to capture the culmination of her tour, DeGeneres is once again embracing the spotlight, showcasing her ability to confront adversity with grace and humor.

Source: Global News

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