Months after the first round of allegations were aimed at her talk show, Ellen DeGeneres finally spoke on the issue publicly during the show’s Season 18 premiere. DeGeneres candidly discussed the situation in a lengthy monologue, which saw the comedian get serious about what happened and promise to improve this as the new season commences. While speaking, she also threw in a joke or two, which may or may not have landed with viewers. Although DeGeneres made the lengthy appeal to a virtual audience, it seems that her wife, Portia de Rossi, was present to provide some in-person support.
Portia de Rossi was reportedly with DeGeneres when she spoke on the controversy that’s been surrounding The Ellen DeGeneres Show. According to People, de Rossi and the show’s crew applauded when DeGeneres walked off the set. The trade's source stated that the premiere was “an emotional moment for everyone” and that the host “thanked everyone.”
This isn’t the first time that Portia de Rossi has lent support to her spouse of 12 years. She previously dropped a post on social media in which she thanked fans for their support in the midst of the allegations. You can check out the post below:
Since coming under fire, Ellen DeGeneres has received support from a number of her fans and more than a few celebrities across Hollywood. Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey and Rosie O’Donnell are among those who have spoken out on her behalf.
The original claims against The Ellen DeGeneres Show came from both current and former employees, who alleged that there was a toxic work culture behind the scenes. Shortly after, top producers on the show were accused of sexual misconduct. Eventually, a third-party investigation initiated by WarnerMedia, which resulted in the firing of multiple employees.
In the immediate aftermath, Ellen DeGeneres released a statement in which she expressed her commitment to creating change moving forward. Prior to returning to the studio, she is also said to have apologized to her crew, admitting to them that she “wasn’t perfect” and promising to improve working conditions. It was later reported that employees were granted improved benefits as a part of the overhaul.
People’s source claims that DeGeneres and the staff are “happy to be back at work together.” They’re also said to be “taking it one day at a time, but so far the environment on set already feels different.”
Season 18 of The Ellen DeGeneres Show will also see another change as DJ Stephen “tWitch” Boss is set to guest host a few of the season’s upcoming episodes. As of right now, the talk show has several guest lined up for the fall including Kerry Washington, Jason Sudeikis and Ken Jeong.
Keep it here at CinemaBlend for more news from the world of TV and movies.
