Former and current employees of The Ellen DeGeneres Show have accused the producers and senior managers of creating a toxic workplace environment and, not long after, reports of sexual misconduct became public too. The allegations have led Warner Bros. Television to conduct an investigation, with Ellen DeGeneres herself vowing “change” moving forward. However, some are holding the talk show host responsible for what’s been happening behind the scenes. Now, DeGeneres’ brother is bluntly speaking out against her detractors.
Not everyone is convinced that the talk show host is blameless. A few celebrities have corroborated the “mean Ellen” rumors, with some calling for her to be replaced. Vance DeGeneres took to Twitter to back his sister. Here’s what he wrote:
If you think Ellen would knowingly allow bullying or racism on her show, you don’t know my sister. She has been and continues to be a bright light in a dark world. She’s one of the kindest, most generous people you’ll ever meet. And one of the funniest.
Vance DeGeneres isn’t the first to come to the defense of the talk show host. Jay Leno, Katy Perry, and Kevin Hart have come to the defense of Ellen DeGeneres in the days since the toxic workplace and sexual misconduct allegations went public. DeGeneres’ wife Portia de Rossi also posted an “I Stand By Ellen” photo to her Instagram following the backlash, thanking fans for their support.
After posting to Twitter, Vance DeGeneres doubled down on his defense of Ellen DeGeneres in a now-deleted Facebook post, expressing disappointment in friends who have not lent their support. Here’s what he wrote (via New York Post):
Ok, I need to say something. My sister is being viciously attacked. And let me assure you – it is all bullshit. I put up a simple statement yesterday that said ‘I stand by Ellen.’ Only a handful of my Facebook ‘friends’ responded to it. If you don’t support Ellen, then you don’t support me, so please unfriend me. I’m sick and tired of my sister being attacked. She always has — and always will — stand against bullying of any kind. She’s a smart, strong woman who has made a positive difference in the world. And to my friends who did respond with support for Ellen and my family, thank you so much. It means a lot.
It’s unclear what the future will bring for Ellen DeGeneres and her long-running talk show. There are rumors that James Corden could replace her but, of course, nothing has been confirmed by sources. At the very least, we know that The Ellen DeGeneres Show is not “going off the air,” so there’s that.
Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for updates on this story. In the meantime, be sure to check out our 2020 fall TV schedule for more on what to watch.
