Ellen DeGeneres returns on the set of The Ellen DeGeneres Show and she has publicly addressed the issues the show is facing. In her opening monologue, which is now on YouTube, the 62-year-old host, apologized to viewers and bravely took responsibility for what happened.
DeGeneres reminded everyone of the toxic work environment allegations against Ellen and the investigation that ensued. Portia de Rossi's partner revealed she learned things that happened on the set that should never have occurred in the first place, BuzzFeed News noted.
She continued she took what happened very seriously. So, she wanted to say she's sorry to the people affected. The comedian knew her "position of privilege and power" came with the responsibility to understand what was happening on her show. Hence, she took full responsibility of it.
Meanwhile, a source told People DeGeneres didn't hold anything back when she addressed the toxic work environment happening on Ellen. The insider described her address as "poignant, funny, and very much candid."
The Finding Dory star knew that her audience wanted to hear from her as they looked forward to her talk. Before the show returned, the tipster revealed she was already talking to the staff over Zoom.
This time, DeGeneres was aware that it's now up to her to make sure everyone would feel they're "being heard and valued." So, on the Season 18 premiere, she got the support of her wife and crew. She also received a round of applause when she walked off the set.
The source continued her arrival was an "emotional moment for everyone." In return, DeGeneres thanked them all.
Ellen was initially set to return on Sept. 9, but the show was shrouded in controversy after BuzzFeed News published a story about the alleged toxic work environment happening on the set. One current and ten former staffers revealed their horrible work experiences, like being penalized for taking medical leave, racial microaggressions, and fear of retribution for raising complaints.
Warner Bros. then launched an internal investigation in July to look into the issue that ended in August. At the time, DeGeneres talked to about 270 employees of the show through a video conference.
The talk turned emotional when she apologized and confirmed that Ellen's top three producers, Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman and Jonathan Norman, left the show. Now, DeGeneres is devoted to working hand-in-hand with the staff to "bring hoy and humor" to their viewers. Fortunately, the set's environment has now dramatically changed since the issue emerged.
