Tracey Grimshaw has reflected on a 2013 interview with Ellen DeGeneres and the “controlling tactic” the talk show host used during their chat.
The former 60 Minutes host told 9Now that Ellen stipulated that the interview must happen on the set of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
“I had to interview her on her set, in front of her live audience … and I’m an outsider and a nobody, walking on to that set,” Grimshaw told the publication.
She added, “And it was designed to make me feel small and it was designed to put me in my place.”
Grimshaw admitted that she believes she saw through the tactic that DeGeneres was using, but decided to go ahead with the interview anyway.
“I think that was a controlling tactic … Certainly she’s a control freak,” she said.
“Ellen doesn’t like giving interviews, she doesn’t give a lot.”
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She added, “History won’t be as kind to Ellen.”
The revelation comes over a year after Ellen left her talk show following accusations of a toxic work place from former employees and guests.
Anonymous former employees accused the show of fostering a toxic workplace, accused the executive producers of harassment, and alleged a general terrible atmosphere permeating the show.
An investigation by WarnerMedia was launched and it all culminated in three top executives departing as the show vowed to take steps to improve the culture.
The final The EllenDeGeneres aired in May of this year, and a new talk show The Kelley Clarkson Show adopted the same format and took over the coveted daytime slot Ellen formerly occupied. The Kelly Clarkson Show has earned thirteen Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment. In November of this year, it was renewed through until 2025.
“Kelly Clarkson is one of the brightest stars of our time,” said Tracie Wilson, exec vp syndicated studios and E! News at NBCUniversal. “With more than 500 hours viewed on broadcast, cable and digital platforms since its launch, The Kelly Clarkson Show has been a home for stories that entertain, inspire important conversations and connect with loyal viewers across multiple generations in meaningful ways. Together, with our best-in-class producing team, we’ll continue to build on the show’s success and legacy.”
