Ellen DeGeneres, the once-beloved talk show host, has candidly discussed her struggles with mental health following her controversial exit from Hollywood. Speaking during her recent stand-up show, "Ellen's Last Stand ... Up" at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on August 1, DeGeneres revealed that therapy has become a crucial part of her life as she navigates the aftermath of being "canceled" over allegations of mean behavior.
DeGeneres, 66, shared with the audience that she sought therapy to address her obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD). The comedian, who was raised in the Christian Science faith-a belief system that traditionally does not recognize diseases or disorders-explained that it was through therapy that she began to understand her own mental health struggles. "I realized my father had OCD after I observed him checking the door or faucet up to 15 times," she recalled.
The realization that she might also have OCD came during a conversation with her wife, Portia de Rossi. "I went home and asked Porsha, 'Do you think that I may have OCD?' And she said, 'Yes, you do,'" DeGeneres recounted. Despite never considering herself obsessive, DeGeneres had always viewed her meticulous behavior as a sign of caution, contrasting it with what she perceived as others' carelessness. This insight, she revealed, was a significant milestone in her therapeutic journey.
DeGeneres also opened up about her experience with ADD, which she initially attributed to her years hosting "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." The fast-paced nature of her talk show, where conversations were often limited to "five-minute segments," made it difficult for her to engage in longer discussions without needing a break. "I'm happy to just not be a brand or a boss or a billboard, just a person, just a multifaceted person with different feelings and emotions," she told the audience, reflecting on her desire to be seen as more than just a public figure.
The stand-up performance marked a poignant moment for DeGeneres, who has faced significant public scrutiny following the end of her talk show in May 2021. The decision to end "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" after 19 seasons came on the heels of a damning BuzzFeed News report from July 2020, which detailed a toxic workplace environment, including allegations of racial microaggressions and retribution against employees who raised complaints.
Reflecting on the allegations during her appearance on the Today show in May 2021, DeGeneres expressed confusion and regret. "I really didn't understand it; I still don't understand it," she said. "It was too orchestrated; it was too coordinated." She lamented that she wished someone had come forward to alert her about the problems sooner. "For me to read in the press about a toxic work environment, when all I've ever heard from every guest that comes on the show is what a happy atmosphere this is and what a happy place this is," she said.
Despite the turmoil, DeGeneres has found a way to move forward. During her August 1 show, she spoke with pride about her personal growth, even in the face of the "devastating" rumors that have plagued her career. "It consumed me for years," she admitted. "But with time, you gain perspective-that's one good thing about aging."
DeGeneres' "Ellen's Last Stand ... Up" tour, a 27-show North American run that began in May, is being billed as her "last curtain call" for live performances. Robbie Praw, VP of Stand-Up and Comedy Formats at Netflix, praised DeGeneres, calling her "a true legend and pioneer in so many ways." He added, "We can't wait to bring fans another one of her hilarious comedy specials later this year."
