`I AM A WORK IN PROGRESS'
Ellen DeGeneres addresses show controversy in season 18 premiere
Ellen DeGeneres addressed the workplace misconduct allegations against her and her team in a monologue that opened season 18 of her TV chat show.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
host has been at the centre of a scandal after BuzzFeed News
published a report in July, which detailed staffers negative experiences on the Ellen set, including claims of being penalized for taking medical leave, instances of racial microaggressions and fear of retribution for raising complaints.
After previously revealing she would “talk about it” on her show, DeGeneres addressed the claims she presided over a “toxic” workplace culture in the premiere episode of the latest season on Monday.
“As you may have heard, this summer there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show and then there was an investigation. I learned that things happened here that never should have happened,” she opened the show by saying.
“I take that very seriously and I want to say I am so sorry to the people who were affected. 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.”
The comedian turned chat icon went on to say that the latest season represents the start of a “new chapter” for everyone working on the show, following an investigation that resulted in the dismissal of two executive producers.
DeGeneres also addressed allegations that behind the scenes she fails to live up to her “be kind” catchphrase — which she adopted while pleading with viewers to treat each other following the suicide of a bullied gay teen.
“I thought the world needed more kindness and it was a reminder that we all needed that, and I think we need it more than ever right now,” she explained. “Being known as the `be kind' lady is a tricky position to be in.
“So let me give you some advice out there if anybody's thinking of changing their title or giving yourself a nickname, do not go with the `be kind' lady. Don't do it. The truth is I am that person that you see on TV. I am also a lot of other things. Sometimes I get sad. I get mad. I get anxious. I get frustrated. I get impatient — and I am working on all of that.”
“I am a work in progress,” said DeGeneres.
No audience was in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but according to People magazine, DeGeneres' wife Portia de Rossi was on hand to support her on set, and her crew applauded at the end of the speech.
“She didn't hold anything back,” a source told People the opening monologue. “Ellen has come away from this reinvigorated and devoted to working hand-in-hand with the staff to bring joy and humour to the fans.”