Key Takeaways:
– Ellen DeGeneres acknowledges allegations of a toxic work environment from 2020.
– DeGeneres insists she is not mean, but admits to being demanding and tough.
– After her next Netflix special, she plans to completely exit from showbiz.
– Four of her stand-up tour shows were canceled, with the final one set for August 17.
Ellen DeGeneres Addresses Accusations
In the wake of allegations of fostering a toxic work environment that first surfaced in 2020, Ellen DeGeneres has broken her silence. The former daytime talk show host used her ongoing stand-up tour, Ellen's Last Stand… Up, as a platform to address these rumors. This tour marks her return to the stage since the accusations emerged and the subsequent cancellation of her popular daytime show. Throughout her performances, the comedian repeatedly stressed her innocence while acknowledging her past behavior could have been mistaken for being mean.
“I am many things, but I am not mean,” the comedian emphatically stated during her Santa Rosa show, as reported by SFGate. The mantra formed the backbone of her stand-up routine. She admitted to being ‘demanding, impatient, and tough' but insisted that her intentions were never to cause harm.
Coming to Terms with Past Behavior
The accusations against DeGeneres were first published in a scathing Buzzfeed report, wherein several former and current employees anonymously charged her with maintaining a toxic work ambiance. While offering no solid apology, DeGeneres did concede that she was sometimes harsh and immature.
She made a joked, referring to her past experiences, including coming out as a lesbian in 1997 which led to her first show being discontinued, saying, “Next time, I'll be kicked out for being old. Old, gay and mean, the triple crown.“. However, she reiterated that her reputation for being mean was based on rumors rather than facts.
Moving on from Showbiz
Following this controversy, and now amidst her stand-up tour, DeGeneres has a scheduled Netflix special, set to air before the end of 2024. This marks her second exclusive deal with the streaming giant. Surprisingly, DeGeneres disclosed that this could also signal the end of her career in the entertainment industry.
When asked about her future plans, whether she might venture into movies or Broadway, she quipped, ‘This is the last time you're going to see me. After my Netflix special, I'm done.' She expressed plans to disappear completely from the public limelight. Given this announcement, fans are eagerly anticipating the release of her upcoming Netflix special.
Unexpected Cancellations and Final Show
Reportedly, four of her upcoming stand-up shows have been canceled, including performances in Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago. However, DeGeneres has yet to comment on these sudden cancellations. Despite this, her stand-up tour is expected to continue, and will conclude on August 17, with a final performance in Minneapolis, Minn.
In summary, while Ellen DeGeneres continues to grapple with accusations and her own self-reflection, it seems the end of an era is upon us. The famous comedian and host is planning to trade the bright lights of the stage for a quiet life away from public scrutiny. The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from fans and colleagues, showing that the legacy of Ellen DeGeneres will remain a fascinating and controversial fixture in showbiz for years to come.
