Ellen Degeneres came back to her afternoon talk show and immediately addressed the controversy over alleged workplace toxicity, racism behind the scenes on her show. The 18th season of the Ellen Degeneres Show premiered on Monday (Sept 21).
“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…I take that very seriously. I’m so sorry to the people who were effected,” Ellen began.
“I know that I am in a position of privilege and power. I take responsibility for what happens at my show….We have had a lot of conversations the last few weeks…we have made the necessary changes. Today, we are starting a new chapter,” she promised.
“There were also articles in the press and on social media that said who I am not who I appear to be on TV…Being known as the ‘Be Kind’ lady is a tricky position to be in. 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. I am working on all of that. I am a work in progress,” she added. “I don’t think I’m that good [of an actress] that I could come out here every day for 17 years and fool you. This is me. And my intention is to always be the best person I can be. And if I’ve ever let someone down, if I’ve ever hurt their feelings, I am so sorry for that.”
Ellen fired several high level producers who were named in the controversy, while she elevated her DJ tWitch to an executive producer.
Watch the monologue below.
