Ellen DeGeneres didn’t shy away from toxic workplace allegations when her daytime talk show returned yesterday. In her opening monologue, Ellen apologized to viewers and took responsibility for “what happens at my show.”
“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,” she said in part. “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.”
This is the first time Ellen has publicly addressed viewers about the allegations since current and former employees first spoke out to “Buzzfeed News.” She added that being known as the “be kind” lady can be “tricky” – but she also insists that the “truth” is she is “that person that you see on TV.”
- So how’d it all go over? Apparently, like a lead balloon. As one former employee noted, “Ellen turned my trauma into a joke.” Another current employee said they were glad that DeGeneres addressed the controversy, but felt that it was an insincere move made with the goal to win back viewers. Did she, though? Time will clearly tell. Online reaction has some saying it missed the mark and others finding it genuine and sincere.
Source: Ellen DeGeneres
