21.09.2020
16:08
The presenter addressed the subject in the first program of the new season of the show that she has led since 2003
September 21, 2020 Share on FacebookShare Share on TwitterTweet Share on WhatsAppShare
Ellen Degeneres with Tyra Banks on her show (Shutterstock)
Ellen DeGeneres broke the silence about the great controversy that has surrounded her and her iconic television show in recent months. At the premiere of the 18th season of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” the host addressed the numerous complaints about workplace bullying episodes and the creation of a toxic environment behind the scenes of her hit show, which put its continuity in doubt.
In his opening monologue, DeGeneres apologized for things “that should never have happened.” ” I know that I am in a privileged position and of power and I understand that this carries a responsibility, and I assume responsibility for what happens in my program, ” said the presenter and comedian in a video posted on Monday on her Instagram account under the title: “Today a new chapter begins”.
“We’ve had a lot of conversations over the past few weeks about the program, our workplace, and what we want for the future, ” DeGeneres said. ” We have made the necessary changes and today we begin a new chapter,” he said.
The return of Ellen DeGeneres to TV
“I learned that things happened here that should never have happened. I take that very seriously, and I want to say that I am very sorry for the people who were affected, ”DeGeneres said looking at the camera in an empty studio given the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition, the comedian has responded to those who accuse her of being a different person behind the cameras. “I am the same person you see on television,” he said. And he added that it is “a project in development”: “Sometimes I am sad, I am angry, I am anxious, frustrated, impatient, and I am working on all that,” he said.
“This is me and my intention is always to be the best person I can be, and if I have ever failed someone, or hurt their feelings, I am so sorry. If that has been the case, then I have betrayed myself and I have hurt myself, because my intention is always to grow as a person ”, he stressed.
Finally, the comedian has expressed what her greatest wish is. “I just want each of my employees to be happy and proud to work here,” he concluded.
FILE PHOTO: 77th Golden Globe Awards – Arrivals – Beverly Hills, California, US, January 5, 2020 – Ellen DeGeneres. REUTERS / Mario Anzuoni // File Photo
“She did not save anything,” a source close to the actress told People magazine about the opening monologue. “It was moving and fun, and a very honest take on what happened over the summer. She understands that her audience wants to hear from her and is eager to speak directly to them. “
Before the premiere, DeGeneres held video-call meetings with his staff. “She has been connecting with her staff through Zoom and she knows it is up to her to make sure everyone feels they are being heard and valued.”
Then, on the day of filming for season 18, DeGeneres was supported by his wife Portia de Rossi and the entire team, according to the source, who added: “It was an emotional moment for everyone; she thanked everyone ”.
The NBC talk show , which was originally expected to return on September 9, became embroiled in controversy after BuzzFeed News published an article in which a current staff member and 10 former employees spoke out in a public manner. anonymously about her bad experiences on set, including claims of racial and sexual assaults and fear of retaliation for filing complaints. They targeted senior executives of the show for normalizing a dynamic of “fear” in which workers would receive reprisals by taking days off for medical or family problems.
Other former employees of The Ellen DeGeneres Show have also raised their voice against the presenter, accusing her of not intervening in this toxic environment and of allowing racist or sexist behavior by higher-ranking workers.
At the end of July, Warner Bros launched an internal investigation that concluded in August when DeGeneres, 62, spoke to his 270 employees via an emotional video conference, during which he apologized and confirmed that the top three producers, Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman and Jonathan Norman, had been fired from the show.
DeGeneres told staff that she was ” not perfect” and that it was “heartbreaking” to read the allegations about the hostile atmosphere on set.
During this season, the public in the studio will not be present due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but celebrity guests will appear alongside DeGeneres. Tiffany Haddish was the first guest of the season. Kerry Washington, Alec Baldwin, K-pop stars SuperM and Kris Jenner will be other stars to appear during opening week.
Kristen Bell, Jason Sudeikis, Blake Shelton, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Amy Schumer and Orlando Bloom will also participate. Many of these celebrities came out to publicly defend DeGeneres after the accusations took public status and dominated the media agenda.
