Ellen DeGeneres Addresses Toxic Workplace Allegations And Inner Flaws At Season 18 Premiere

The past couple of months have been anything but easy for Ellen DeGeneres. The popular show host was embroiled in a murky controversy, with staffers and crew accused DeGeneres of workplace toxicity and fostering an unhealthy work-life balance.

But, the 62-year-old seemed unperturbed by the allegations stormed at her, and addressed the speculations on the season 18 premiere.

“So, I'm excited to see, obviously tWitch. I'm excited to see all of my staff and my crew. Hi everybody,” said DeGeneres on the show. “Please don't look me in the eye. Oh, I'm kidding. But I will be passing out gum for everyone. Kidding again,” she added, in what seemed like an opening monologue right. DeGeneres went on to announce that Stephen "tWitch" Boss had been promoted from show DJ to co-executive producer, as she spoke to viewers who were present virtually on screens.

The sets of her show saw no in-house attendees owing to the Coronavirus outbreak, but scores of fans the world over had tuned in to watch the show host give her stance on the rumors that raised questions about her approach towards her employees.

While DeGeneres didn’t outrightly admit to any of the allegations, she publicly apologized to those whom she might have (unintentionally) hurt in the past.

As per a July report on BuzzFeed News, the celebrity host reportedly implemented draconian rules like being penalized for taking medical leave, instances of racial microaggressions, and fear of retribution for raising complaints pushed many to quit, a lot earlier than they wished. DeGeneres has reportedly extended sincere apologies to former and existing employees ever since.

“As you may have heard, this summer there were accusations of a toxic work environment at our show, and then there was an investigation,” DeGeneres said. “I learned that things happened here that never should have happened. I take that very seriously, and I want to say I am so sorry to the people who were affected,” she added.

De Generes also assured that due changes would be incorporated to ensure things don’t stagnate or kill the vibe at her sets.

The show host, who’s known for her remarkable quick-wit and on-screen candor, admitted to being far from perfect at all times and averred that she was working toward bettering herself. “Being known as the 'Be Kind Lady' is a tricky position to be in,” she said. “... The truth is I am that person 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 — and I am working on all of that. I am a work in progress, ” DeGeneres concluded.