Where did it all go wrong for Ellen DeGeneres? As the comedian announces she is ‘done’ with showbiz after her Netflix special – a look back at the scandal that engulfed her career

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Where did it all go wrong for Ellen DeGeneres? As the comedian announces she is ‘done’ with showbiz after her Netflix special – a look back at the scandal that engulfed her career


Ellen DeGeneres’ fall from grace was sparked by a single tweet penned by comedian Kevin T. Porter in March 2020 asking individuals for the ‘most insane tales you’ve got heard about Ellen being imply,’ which amassed 2,600 replies.

The comedian – who was beforehand generally known as being a ‘good’ public figure- no doubt broke boundaries when she turned the host of her personal present in 2003, six years after publicly popping out as homosexual and simply months after returning to the highlight as the voice of Dory in the hit Pixar movie Finding Nemo.

But whereas she had constructed a popularity as a pleasant comedian who does not use profanity or make jokes at the expense of others, rumors swirled in Hollywood for years that she’s not practically as heat and pleasant as her public persona suggests.

Those rumors got here to a head in 2020 in a stream of detrimental press, with stars, crew, and non-Hollywood varieties alike coming ahead to share their tales about the host.

So as Ellen announces that will likely be ‘carried out’ with showbiz after her subsequent Netflix special airs later this 12 months, MailOnline takes a look at her swift fall from the high…

Ellen DeGeneres’ fall from grace was sparked by a single tweet penned by comedian Kevin T. Porter in March 2020 asking individuals for the ‘most insane tales you’ve got heard about Ellen being imply,’ which amassed 2,600 replies

'This is the last time you're going to see me. After my Netflix special, I'm done,' Ellen said of her upcoming one-hour show taping this fall, as per SFGate

‘This is the final time you are going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m carried out,’ Ellen stated of her upcoming one-hour present taping this fall, as per SFGate

Ellen confronted her first whiff of backlash in October of 2019 when she took in a Dallas Cowboys soccer sport in a luxurious field — the place she sat subsequent to former President George W. Bush.

Cameras confirmed the pair sitting aspect-by-aspect and seemingly having fun with one another’s firm, which led to a flood of criticism on-line.

Critics identified that whereas Ellen has been a trailblazer for the LGBTQ neighborhood, Bush has backed a number of insurance policies that have been hurtful to homosexual individuals — together with a proposed constitutional modification that would have outlined marriage as a union between one man and one girl.

Bush was additionally towards classifying crimes towards homosexual individuals as gate crimes, and, as many identified, introduced the US into a lengthy, pricey, and lethal warfare in Iraq on the foundation of hidden weapons of mass destruction which have been by no means discovered. 

Ellen later addressed the backlash on her present, saying: ‘I’m associates with George Bush. In reality, I’m associates with a lot of people that do not share the identical beliefs that I’ve.

‘Just as a result of I do not agree with somebody on all the things doesn’t suggest that I’m not going to be associates with them. When I say, ‘Be sort to at least one one other,’ I do not imply solely the individuals that suppose the identical manner that you do. I imply, ‘Be sort to everybody, it does not matter.”

But it was that chorus — ‘be sort to everybody’ — that would come to imply extra hassle for Ellen, who has since been accused of being a hypocrite and never being sort to many individuals.

One of the first critics to talk out was Nikkie de Jager, a trans magnificence blogger who goes by NikkieTutorials. She had appeared on Ellen’s present in January of 2020 to speak about popping out as trans, however the subsequent month admitted that the expertise wasn’t what she had hoped.

‘Let me say that there’s a huge distinction between this present and Ellen DeGeneres, and I’m saying that in favor of this present,’ she stated on the Dutch speak present ‘De Wereld Draait Door.’ 

Earlier this week Ellen chose not to address her fans before quietly canceling four scheduled shows in Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago on her 32-date comeback tour

Earlier this week Ellen selected to not handle her followers earlier than quietly canceling 4 scheduled reveals in Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago on her 32-date comeback tour

In its first season alone, the show was nominated for 11 Daytime Emmy Awards, and won four, including Best Talk Show (pictured with Zac Efron)

In its first season alone, the present was nominated for 11 Daytime Emmy Awards, and received 4, together with Best Talk Show (pictured with Zac Efron)

Over the years, she has had countless big-name celebrity guests, including Rihanna (pictured)

Over the years, she has had numerous huge-identify movie star friends, together with Rihanna (pictured)

‘It’s good that you say ‘hello’ earlier than the present. She did not,’ she added, agreeing with an evaluation that she was ‘chilly and distant.’

Whispers about Ellen’s conduct grew into photographs in April 2020, when comedian Kevin T. Porter tweeted a plea for tales about the star.

‘Right now we all want a little kindness. You know, like Ellen Degeneres at all times talks about!’ he tweeted 

‘She’s additionally notoriously one in all the meanest individuals alive. Respond to this with the most insane tales you’ve got heard about Ellen being imply & I’ll match each one w/ $2 to @LAFoodBank. 

More criticism got here Ellen’s manner after her April 6 present, which was filmed from house at the begin of the pandemic.

Speaking to the digicam from inside her multimillion-greenback mansion, Ellen jokingly in contrast her plight to that of prisoners in jail.

‘One factor I’ve realized from being in quarantine is that individuals — this is like being in jail, is what this is,’ she stated. ‘It’s principally as a result of I’ve been carrying the identical garments for 10 days, and everybody in right here is homosexual.’

Commenters shortly took to Twitter to criticize the star for being tone deaf and out of contact, stating that along with individuals dying from COVID-19, most Americans watching her present have been doing so from a lot smaller and fewer luxurious houses.

What’s extra, critics stated, making mild of the challenges going through the imprisoned inhabitants was notably in poor health-timed given their elevated danger of contracting COVID.  

The backlash towards Ellen continued to develop, with social media customers pointing to previous clips with movie star friends that, looking back, hinted at unhealthy conduct.

In one notably viral second from 2019, Dakota Johnson shared a tense, awkward alternate in an on-air interview.

When Ellen requested Dakota how her birthday celebration was — including with a straight face that she ‘wasn’t invited — Dakota firmly pushed back, saying: ‘Actually, no, that’s not the fact, Ellen. You have been invited. 

‘Last time I used to be on the present, final 12 months, you gave me a bunch of s*** about not inviting you. But I did not even know you needed to be invited — I did not even know you favored me… however I did invite you, and also you did not come.

A 2019 interview with Dakota Johnson went viral again last year. Dakota called Ellen out for lying in an awkward exchange

A 2019 interview with Dakota Johnson went viral once more final 12 months. Dakota known as Ellen out for mendacity in an ungainly alternate

When Ellen questioned her, doubting what Dakota stated, she replied: ‘Ask everyone. Ask Jonathan, your producer.’

In July 2020, BuzzFeed News printed an exposé that includes one present and 10 former workers of the Louisiana-born funnywoman’s former self-titled daytime speak present alleging racism, office bullying, and sexual harassment.

‘That ‘be sort’ bulls*** solely occurs when the cameras are on. It’s all for present’ stated one. ‘I do know they provide cash to individuals and assist them out, however it’s for present.’

‘I feel it is a lot of smoke and mirrors when it involves the present’s model,’ stated one other. ‘They pull on individuals’s heartstrings; they do know that’s going to get likes and what persons are going to go for, which is a constructive message. But that’s not at all times actuality.’

Most of the accusations have been about the office usually, together with different senior workers apart from Ellen. Ten former workers particularly accused three government producers —Ed Glavin, Mary Connelly, and Andy Lassner — of ‘bullying.’

Among the allegations was one made by a Black girl who claimed she suffered a variety of ‘microaggressions,’ her request for a elevate was ignored, and she was accused of ‘strolling round trying resentful and indignant’ after asking for workers members to endure range and inclusion coaching. 

Glavin, Kevin Leman and co-government producer Jonathan Norman have been all fired from the common speak present following the accusations leveled towards them. 

But a number of identified that the tradition of a office comes from the high. 

By August 2020, WarnerMedia had launched an inside investigation, Ellen had issued a formal apology to her 255 workers, and government producers Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman, and Jonathan Norman have been all fired from the present. 

Variety reported that WarnerMedia, which distributes Ellen’s present, had employed ‘a third get together agency’ to launch an investigation into the present’s office tradition.

Ellen, in the meantime, despatched a memo to workers by which she wrote she was ‘taking steps… to appropriate’ points with her workers.

‘On day one in all our present, I instructed everybody in our first assembly that The Ellen DeGeneres Show could be a place of happiness — nobody would ever elevate their voice, and everybody could be handled with respect. Obviously, one thing modified, and I’m dissatisfied to study that this has not been the case. And for that, I’m sorry,’ Ellen stated in the memo.

‘As we have grown exponentially, I’ve not been capable of keep on high of all the things and relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I’d need them carried out. Clearly some did not,’ she added. ‘That will now change and I’m dedicated to making sure this doesn’t occur once more.’  

Even Ellen's former DJ, Tony Okungbowa, posted about the talk show host on Instagram, calling out the 'toxicity' of the workplace

Even Ellen’s former DJ, Tony Okungbowa, posted about the speak present host on Instagram, calling out the ‘toxicity’ of the office

'I did experience and feel the toxicity of the environment and I stand with my former colleagues in their quest to create a healthier and more inclusive workplace as the show moves forward,' he said

‘I did expertise and really feel the toxicity of the setting and I stand with my former colleagues of their quest to create a more healthy and extra inclusive office as the present strikes ahead,’ he stated

Brad Garrett of Everybody Loves Raymond fame said he knows 'more than one who were treated horribly by her,' and Lea Thompson agreed

Brad Garrett of Everybody Loves Raymond fame stated he is aware of ‘multiple who have been handled horribly by her,’ and Lea Thompson agreed

Even Ellen’s former DJ, Tony Okungbowa, posted about the speak present host on Instagram, calling out the ‘toxicity’ of the office.

‘I’ve been getting calls asking me about the Ellen Degeneres Show and I wish to handle the time I spent there,’ he wrote. 

‘I used to be on air expertise from 2003-2006 and from 2007 -2013. While I’m grateful for the alternative it afforded me, I did expertise and really feel the toxicity of the setting and I stand with my former colleagues of their quest to create a more healthy and extra inclusive office as the present strikes ahead.’  

That identical month, extra celebrities spoke up as properly. Brad Garrett of’Everybody Loves Raymond fame tweeted: ‘Sorry however it comes from the high @TheEllenShow. Know multiple who have been handled horribly by her.⁩ Common data,’ Garrett tweeted on July 30. 

When People journal shared a tweet about his remarks, Back to the Future star Lea Thompson replied: ‘True story. It is.’

Australian radio host Neil Breen additionally opened up about his expertise with Ellen when he was an government producer on the Australian Today present in 2013. 

‘Because it’s ‘The Ellen Show,’ they managed all the things,’ he stated. ‘They managed the interview seats, the lights, how it would work, all the things.

‘The producers known as us apart and stated, :This is how it’s going to work right here this morning. Ellen’s going to reach at 10:15, and she’ll be sitting on this chair right here. And Richard, you may be sitting on this chair right here.” 

They additionally instructed him that ‘nobody’s to speak to Ellen’.

Staying strong: Plenty of celebrities also came to Ellen's defense, and her wife, Portia, also posted in support on Instagram, writing: 'I Stand By Ellen'

Staying sturdy: Plenty of celebrities additionally got here to Ellen’s protection, and her spouse, Portia, additionally posted in help on Instagram, writing: ‘I Stand By Ellen’

‘You do not speak to her, you do not method her, you do not look at her. She’ll are available in, she’ll sit down, she’ll speak to Richard, then Ellen will go away,’ they stated, based on Neil.

Of course, loads of celebrities additionally got here to Ellen’s protection. Among them have been Ashton Kutcher, Katy Perry, Scooter Braun, and Kevin Hart.

Ellen’s spouse, Portia, additionally posted in help on Instagram, writing: ‘I Stand By Ellen.’    

But that wasn’t sufficient to avoid wasting the present’s rankings. According to a March New York Times report, the present misplaced greater than a million viewers since September 2020, right down to a median of 1.5 million viewers from 2.6 million final 12 months.

That’s a 43 per cent viewership decline, and places her at a million fewer viewers than Dr. Phil and 1.2 million lower than Live: With Kelly and Ryan.

Ellen – who additionally apologized to followers on air – broadcast her ultimate episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 26, 2022 after 19 seasons.

She later branded it a ‘coordinated misogynistic’ assault on her and she has principally stayed out of the highlight since the finish of the present.

Earlier this week Ellen selected to not handle her followers earlier than quietly canceling 4 scheduled reveals in Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago on her 32-date comeback tour.

The comedian’s cancellations got here hours after SF Gate homepage editor Gabe Lehman printed his detailed evaluation of her present at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, CA.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show went off the air in 2022 after 19 seasons on NBC following the toxic workplace scandal that tarnished her reputation as TV's favorite host

The Ellen DeGeneres Show went off the air in 2022 after 19 seasons on NBC following the poisonous office scandal that tarnished her popularity as TV’s favourite host 

‘Unfortunately, the Event Organizer has needed to cancel your occasion,’ Ticketmaster knowledgeable prospects on Wednesday.

‘You needn’t do a factor. We’ll concern a refund to the unique methodology of cost used at time of buy, as quickly as funds are acquired from the Event Organizer.

‘It ought to seem in your account inside 14-21 days. Please Note: If the tickets have been transferred to you, the refund will go to the fan who initially bought the tickets from Ticketmaster.’

Ellen is subsequent scheduled to carry out on Monday at the Paramount Theatre in Denver, CO.

Her comedy special is popping out later this 12 months. It will likely be her second Netflix special, following 2018’s Relatable.

Ellen started her career doing stand-up and made waves with her first look on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

She started incomes elements on TV, and in 1994, she landed her personal sitcom known as ‘Ellen.’ The present was a hit, and at the peak of its recognition in 1997, she did one thing few celebrities had carried out at the time: She publicly got here out as homosexual, as did her on-display alter ego.

While the transfer was monumental for the LGBTQ neighborhood — and was one in all the highest-rated episodes of the present — it led to tough occasions for Ellen, whose sitcom was canceled a 12 months later.

Ellen had few roles after the present ended, although she did host Saturday Night Live and the 53rd Primetime Emmy Awards in 2001.

But issues began to look up in 2003: She voiced the beloved forgetful fish Dory in the Oscar-winning animated movie Finding Nemo, and a few months after it was launched started headlining her personal speak present.

The speak present began off with a bang, with Jennifer Aniston — then starring in the ultimate season of Friends — showing as her first visitor. That first season alone, the present was nominated for 11 Daytime Emmy Awards, and received 4, together with Best Talk Show. 

Famous friends: Other stars to go tet-a-tet have included Justin Bieber (pictured), Patrick Dempsey, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Neil Patrick Harris, and Janet Jackson

Famous associates: Other stars to go tet-a-tet have included Justin Bieber (pictured), Patrick Dempsey, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Neil Patrick Harris, and Janet Jackson

Squeaky clean: Ellen earned a reputation as a 'nice' celebrity who ¿ like Will Smith (pictured) ¿ doesn't use profanity

Squeaky clear: Ellen earned a popularity as a ‘good’ movie star who — like Will Smith (pictured) — does not use profanity

Popular: The show has averaged around 4.2+ million viewers per episode (pictured with Jennifer Lopez)

Popular: The present has averaged round 4.2+ million viewers per episode (pictured with Jennifer Lopez)

Ratings continues to rise, and all of the greatest stars in Hollywood stopped by to be  interviewed.

Over the years, she’s welcomed on the Kardashians quite a few occasions — typically all collectively — in addition to Oprah, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Brad Pitt, Kevin Hart, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Bradley Cooper, Zac Efron, Will Smith, Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg, Drew Barrymore, Adele, Victoria Beckham, Halle Berry, Matthew Broderick, Bon Jovi, Pierce Brosnan, and Carol Burnett.

She’s hosted presidents and first women — together with President Joe Biden, President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Laura Bush — in addition to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Other stars who’ve appeared embrace Steve Carell, Mariah Carey, Cher, George Clooney, Miley Cyrus, Ted Danson, Patrick Dempsey, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Neil Patrick Harris, Janet Jackson, One Direction, Dolly Parton, Meryl Streep, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Ivanka Trump, John Travolta, Serena Williams, Reese Witherspoon, Carrie Underwood, and Sofia Vergara.

Ellen turned recognized for dancing on the present, and introduced on numerous friends who’d earned on-line fame with viral movies — together with, most memorably, Sophia Grace and Rosie, who carried out Nicki Minaj’s tune Super Bass.

The present had loads of viral moments of its personal, together with the time Kristen Bell shared a clip of herself breaking down in comfortable tears over a sloth. 

Ellen’s career skyrocketed. In 2005, she hosted the 57th Primetime Emmy Awards, adopted by the 79th Academy Awards in 2007 and the 86th Academy Awards in 2014.

She judged season 9 of American Idol in 2010, put out a new standup special in 2018, and served as government producer on such reveals as Bethenny, Little Big Shots, and The Masked Dancer.

She’s additionally racked up profitable advert campaigns with American Express, CoverGirl Cosmetics, and J.C. Penney, and has bought her personal merchandise on QVC and at Walmart. 

And since her speak present premiered, it has acquired a whole of 171 Daytime Emmy Award nominations, with 61 Daytime Emmy Award wins.

In reality, she received extra Emmys for Outstanding Talk Show and Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment — 11 — than The Oprah Winfrey Show, which received 9.  

The present has averaged round 4.2+ million viewers per episode, and for years was the third most extremely seen daytime present behind Live with Kelly and Ryan and Dr. Phil. 



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