Ellen Promises to Do Better
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Ellen DeGeneres is grappling with the controversies surrounding her show head-on. The iconic host returned to the air Monday with her first episode since she and her show were investigated by Warner Bros. for allowing a “toxic” work environment fester. Charges included sexual harassment, racism and bullying. Three executive producers have been fired.
In the opener of Season 18, DeGeneres said: “If you’re watching, because you love me, thank you. If you’re watching it because you don’t love me, welcome. How was everybody’s summer? Good. Yeah, mine was great. Terrific. I’m so happy to be back in the studio. There are a lot of things I want to talk about. I’ve been looking forward to addressing it all directly and unfortunately talking directly to people has been illegal for six months.”
DeGeneres continued: “As you may have heard this summer, there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show. And then there was an investigation. 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. I know that I’m in a position of privilege and power. I realized that with that comes responsibility and I take responsibility for what happens at my show. This is The Ellen DeGeneres Show. I am Ellen DeGeneres. My name is there. My name is there. My name is on underwear. We have had a lot of conversations over the last few weeks about the show, our workplace and what we want for the future. We have made the necessary changes. And today we are starting a new chapter.”
NOT A PHONY
