Ellen DeGeneres, the former daytime TV queen known for her affable persona, has abruptly canceled several dates on her stand-up comedy tour, "Ellen's Last Stand... Up." The cancellations include performances in major cities such as Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago, according to the Ticketmaster website. Ticket holders were informed that refunds would be issued within 14 to 21 days.
The cancellations come as DeGeneres attempts to navigate her first tour since allegations of a toxic workplace environment on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" emerged. The once-beloved talk show host has faced significant public backlash since the accusations surfaced, fundamentally challenging her public image, which was built on a foundation of kindness and humor.
No specific reasons were provided for the cancellations. A message from the event organizer stated, "Unfortunately, the Event Organizer has had to cancel your event." Efforts to reach representatives for DeGeneres and Live Nation Entertainment for comment were unsuccessful.
DeGeneres began her tour in June and had already performed in various locations, including Los Angeles and Santa Rosa, California. During these performances, she openly addressed the controversy, often using humor to discuss the serious allegations that had been levied against her. In an April show in Los Angeles, DeGeneres joked about being "kicked out of show business" for being "mean." She reiterated a similar sentiment during a performance in Santa Rosa, stating, "I am many things, but I am not mean."
The controversy surrounding DeGeneres began in March 2020, when accusations of her fostering a toxic work environment were brought to light. Current and former employees anonymously shared their experiences with BuzzFeed News, accusing the star and her show's producers of making inappropriate comments, firing staff for taking sick leave or bereavement, and creating a culture of fear. These revelations were particularly damaging given DeGeneres's long-standing public image as a paragon of kindness and compassion.
In response to the allegations, DeGeneres issued multiple apologies, acknowledging that the show's rapid growth had led to management issues that she had not fully controlled. "The show had grown exponentially, and I hadn't been able to stay on top of everything," she said. Significant staffing changes were made, but despite these efforts, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" concluded in 2022 after 19 seasons.
DeGeneres's comedy tour, which marks her return to stand-up after the show's end, was intended to reconnect with her audience and possibly rehabilitate her public image. However, the abrupt cancellations have added another layer of complexity to her ongoing public relations challenges.
A notable upcoming performance in Denver on July 8 is still scheduled, but the recent cancellations have cast doubt on whether future shows will proceed as planned. The uncertainty has left fans and industry observers speculating about the underlying reasons for the disruptions.
During her stand-up performances, DeGeneres has been candid about her feelings regarding the accusations. In Santa Rosa, she described herself as demanding and impatient but denied being inherently mean. "I can be demanding and impatient and tough. I am a strong woman," she asserted.
DeGeneres also reflected on her previous experience with Hollywood ostracism after publicly coming out as a lesbian in 1997. She humorously noted that if she faced another career setback, it might be due to her age. "Next time, I'll be kicked out for being old. Old, gay, and mean, the triple crown," she quipped.
The tour, and its accompanying Netflix special, is intended to be her swan song from the public stage. "This is the last time you're going to see me. After my Netflix special, I'm done," she told her audience.
