Following a rough year that was hindered as much by a months-long backlash as the TV-stunting pandemic, Ellen DeGeneres publicly announced a personal setback. The talk show host announced on social media that she has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
You can read her message to fans below, which she shared on Twitter.
Hi Everyone, I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, I'm feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines. I'll see you all again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe.Love, Ellen
Without knowing more details, it's hard to tell when Ellen DeGeneres might have first contracted COVID, so it's hard to know how many people she would have been in close-contact with after that point. Hopefully she and her team were able to truly address the issue with everyone who might have been affected.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show went into its new season with COVID-19 guidelines in place, as well as an apology session from its host. DeGeneres often interviews her guests remotely via video chats. That said, she has also featured certain guests in-studio, often for performances, though social distancing is enforced on the set.
Which isn't to say that Ellen DeGeneres' current talk show season has been without its own issues. Even though things are going along in the usual pattern during the episodes themselves, the ratings have taken a noticeable dip across the board when compared to past seasons. While it's hard to lock down a specific reason why, it's very likely that it ties back to all the negative criticisms that were laid against the show and its host over the summer, which included rumors that she demanded others not make eye contact with her.
Starting in July, The Ellen DeGeneres Show started getting pegged with allegations of behind-the-scenes toxicity, with sexual misconduct accusations coming later. On top of that, DeGeneres herself faced rumors of being rude and standoffish to other celebrities. The host apologized to her staff, and at one point, several producers were fired in response to the allegations' investigation. And to be sure, DeGeneres also had plenty of celebs that came to her defense during that time.
To keep TV fans' cheer up this week, The Ellen DeGeneres Show released a video of the talk show's most festive moments over the years.
Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for more information on The Ellen DeGeneres Show's future as it becomes available. While waiting to hear more, head to our Fall 2020 TV premiere schedule and our Winter and Spring 2021 premiere guide to see what new and returning shows are on the way.
More to come...
