We all saw it coming, but it didn’t make it any less painful to watch.
Kicking off the latest season of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the 62-year-old host began with a monologue addressing the ongoing toxic workplace allegations from current and former staff with a contrived apology that basically tried to absolve her of any accountability.
Appearing in front of a Black Mirror-esque virtual live audience, Ellen hit the stage dressed in all white – a hue often picked when facing a public apology according to colour psychology experts – telling viewers she would be “starting a new chapter” in the wake of the reports.
“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,” Ellen said.
“I take that very seriously, and I wanna say I am so sorry to the people who were affected,” she added. “I know that I’m in a position of privilege and power and I realize that with that comes responsibility, and I take responsibility for what happens at my show.”
She added that the show has since made “the necessary changes” after conversations with the show’s 270 staff members.
“Today, we are starting a new chapter,” she said.
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Speaking of the accusations against her personally, Ellen seemed to dodge any real responsibility for her reportedly nasty behaviour against staff.
“The truth is, I am that person you see on TV,” the star said. “I’m 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, and I am especially working on the impatience thing.”
“I’m a pretty good actress, but I don’t think that I’m that good that I could come out here every day for 17 years and fool you,” Ellen added. “This is me, and my intention is to always be the best person I can be. If I’ve ever let someone down, if I’ve ever hurt their feelings, I am so sorry for that.”
Back in July, staff received an internal memo that said the show was “taking steps” to “correct the issues” raised by current and employees, including allegations of racism, bullying and sexually inappropriate behaviour by producers and senior staff members.
Warner Bros. then announced in August that executive producers Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman and Jonathan Norman had “parted ways” with the show.
As for whether or not viewers are willing to accept the host’s “apology” remains to be seen – but with so many jaw-dropping accusations made against Ellen, we’re bound to find out soon enough via social media.
