We haven’t seen a photo of Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry‘s daughter yet, but we have a pretty good idea of what a cutie she is! The new dad revealed during his appearance on Wednesday’s episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show who he thinks Daisy Dove Bloom looks like, and it’s not exactly who you’d […]
The post Here’s Who Orlando Bloom Says His Daughter With Katy Perry Looks Most Like! appeared first on Perez Hilton.
It’s horrible to think about the discrimination Anne Heche has faced… but it’s equally inspiring to see her persevere through it all! The longtime actress is competing on this season of Dancing With The Stars, and during Monday night’s episode, she goes back into the past to re-live one of the most difficult times of her […]
The post Anne Heche Says Dating Ellen DeGeneres Is The Reason She Couldn’t Get Work For 10 Years! appeared first on Perez Hilton.
Ellen DeGeneres is back…
… and better than ever?
We may now have our answer.
The polarizing talk show host returned a week ago with Season 18 of her talk show, doing so after several weeks of rumors and allegations soiled her reputation…
As she detailed on the Season 18 premiere of her talk show this past Monday, Ellen DeGeneres is hoping to write a new chapter.
Presumably, it won’t include allegations of sexual misconduct, racism and general toxicity around the workplace.
After a few days on the air, however, it’s clear that many viewers are already prepared to close the book entirely on this comedian.
DeGeneres opened her first new episode in months by addressing the recent internal investigation of her program, which looked into accusations that she and her producers treated their employees in an awful, unfair manner at times.
Yes, she quipped early on that her summer was “super terrific,” but Ellen then delved into the sordid detaiils behind this ongoiing scandal.
“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 that never should have happened.
“I take that very seriously,” the host explained in a nearly five-minute monologue before a virtual studio audience on Monday, September 21.
She went on to tell people NOT to brand themselves as “kind,” as she had done over the years, because, in actuality, she’s a multi-layered person who has many emotions and has made many mistakes.
She vowed to work on these mistakes.
“I know that I am in a position of privilege and power and I realize that with that comes responsibility. And I take responsibility for what happens at my show. This is The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” she said.
Still, a handful of current and former staffers found this apology to be lacking, slamming DeGeneres for making it all about herself and for being tone deaf.
And they said this before DeGeneres made an inappropriate remark in a follow-up monologue.
Taking to the stage on Wednesday, Ellen brought up the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessary, related safety guidelines around the country and joked:
“Obviously I’m not wearing a mask right now because I’m on camera and also everyone is six feet away from me just like in every season.”
[Pause for awkward silence.]
“I’m kidding, it’s a joke and that’s why we’re laughing,” she added.
As a point of reference:
Ellen’s remark about keeping staff at a distance came after Australian radio host Neil Breen claimed no-one was allowed to talk to Ellen, look at her or approach her during his interactions with the polarizing celebrity.
He alleged that the star had a number of “bizarre” demands when she appeared on his program, the Today Show in Australia, in 2013.
“The producer called us aside and said, ‘Now Neil, no one is to talk to Ellen. You don’t talk to her, you don’t approach her, you don’t look at her,'” Breen explained.
Neil, who now hosts his own show, claimed Ellen’s staff were the only ones allowed to interact with her.
Previously known as one of the more relatable people in Hollywood, DeGeneres has come under fire for stories just like this one — examples where she allegedly acted like a total prima donna.
Ellen tried to keep her monologue lighthearted with some quick jokes on the Monday premiere but also, said that “we’ve had a lot of conversations about our show, our workplace, and what we want for the future.”
At this point, folks can only wait to see what this future holds and judge DeGeneres on where things go from here.
But it’s been a rough start so far.
Sorry y’all, you won’t be seeing Kris Jenner on Bravo anytime soon! On Thursday, the matriarch appeared virtually on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to chat all about her past and future on reality TV, and spoiler alert: those rumors about her joining the Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills have no merit. Related: Kanye West ROASTED […]
The post Kris Jenner Sets The Record Straight On <i>RHOBH</i> Casting Rumors & Talks End Of <i>KUWTK</i> appeared first on Perez Hilton.
Can Sharon Stone be the one who solves Sex and the City’s Kim Cattrall problem? As fans know, plans for a third film installment came to a stop three years ago after Cattrall, who played Samantha Jones, decided she wanted out of the franchise. Since then, many have suggested casting Stone in Cattrall’s role — […]
The post <i>SATC 3</i> Replacing Kim Cattrall?! Sharon Stone Says It Would ‘Be An Honor’! appeared first on Perez Hilton.
Between the sincere apologies and self-deprecating wisecracks, Ellen DeGeneres knows she still has some real work to do to get back in everyone’s good graces again. As we reported, Monday’s season 18 premiere of The Ellen DeGeneres Show kicked off a whole “new chapter” for the 62-year-old host, who did not let things get underway […]
The post The NEW Ellen DeGeneres ‘Will Have To Prove Herself’ Following Accusations About Her ‘Mean-Spirited’ Reputation! appeared first on Perez Hilton.
Ellen DeGeneres said a bunch of stuff to open Season 18 of her talk show on Monday, addressing the allegations that have labeled the work environment on set as toxic, racist and sexist.
But did she say the right stuff?
No, not even close, …
At least Ellen DeGeneres can still make herself laugh, even if some people aren’t laughing along with her! During Monday’s season 18 premiere of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the comedian made light of some accusations which have been made against her, like staff being told not to look her in the eye and not to […]
The post The Most Awkward Ellen DeGeneres Joke From Her Big Return appeared first on Perez Hilton.
After some time away, Ellen DeGeneres is kicking off this “new chapter,” AKA season 18 of her daytime TV series, with the support of her team! Following multiple allegations of a “toxic” work environment, sexual harassment, and more, it seems things have improved on set at The Ellen DeGeneres Show, at least for now! A […]
The post How Ellen DeGeneres’ Staff Reacted To Her Monologue & First Week Back At Work appeared first on Perez Hilton.
While many celebrities welcomed the reprieve from the spotlight that the coronavirus pandemic brought them, Ellen DeGeneres was directly in the limelight! The 62-year-old has been gracing television screens for years as The Ellen DeGeneres Show host since 2003, but many accusations have bubbled to the surface claiming the daytime TV queen is hardly living by […]
The post Ellen DeGeneres Is BACK — So Let’s Recap Her Summer Of Drama! appeared first on Perez Hilton.
On the Season 18 premiere of her talk show today, Ellen DeGeneres couldn’t dance her way out of the controversy that has been following her around all summer.
So she addressed it head on.
At the very beginning.
Sarcastically referrring her …
Some networks have chosen to not air episodes of The Ellen Show amidst the toxicity scandal.
But despite the massive backlash, Ellen is coming back to TV — and it’s shockingly soon.
Ellen DeGeneres wrapped up this last season of her show fro…
Ellen DeGeneres didn’t just run her show under an authoritarian-style rule; her home was apparently the same! (And there aren’t any producers she can offer up there!) A source who used to work in the daytime diva’s California mansion told DailyMail.com the comedienne ran her household like a military-style boot camp by tormenting employees over small mistakes, […]
The post Not Just The Show! Inside Ellen DeGeneres’ Cruel, Twisted Treatment Of Household Staff! appeared first on Perez Hilton.
To say that it has been a rough couple of months for Ellen DeGeneres is an understatement.
Now, her infamous 2008 interview with Mariah Carey is coming back to haunt her in a big way.
2008 was a different time. That’s how years work.
For example, at that time, Ellen DeGeneres was known for LGBTQ+ advocacy and as a beloved talk show host.
This was the year when Mariah Carey sat down for what she thought would be a friendly interview with the daytime host.
At the time, Mariah was just six months into her marriage to Nick Cannon — oh gosh, that was twelve years ago? — and rumored to be pregnant.
In order to effectively force Mariah into creating a viral moment, Ellen offered her champagne.
And she did not take Mariah’s series of excuses for an answer.
See, Mariah was pregnant but unwilling to speak on it yet. Ellen put her in a real bind.
Her choice was to either say “I can’t drink this, I’m pregnant” or to drink the champagne.
Being pregnant, it would be dangerous and irresponsible for her to consume any alcohol whatsoever.
Mariah protested that it was too early in the day. She said that champagne had too many calories and was trying to cut back.
That did not stop Ellen from being persistent, giving her the glass.
Mariah at one point even pretend to take a ship, keeping her lips sealed, while visibly uncomfortable.
Amidst stories of Ellen’s workplace being a toxic environment full of a “culture of fear,” we have heard claims that she is only nice to famous people.
But it has been clear that she has rubbed some famous guests the wrong way.
Dakota Johnson was one. And Mariah Carey, despite returning after that 2008 interview, was another.
We don’t have to speculate on how Mariah felt about that — she spoke about it to Vulture.
“I was extremely uncomfortable with that moment is all I can say,” Mariah said of the incident.
“And,” she admitted, “I really have had a hard time grappling with the aftermath.”
“I wasn’t ready to tell anyone because I had had a miscarriage,” Mariah shared.
When you’ve already suffered one loss, you really want to hold out before you break your next pregnancy news.
And, of course, Mariah would go on to suffer another miscarriage after that cruel interview.
“I don’t want to throw anyone that’s already being thrown under any proverbial bus,” Mariah emphasized.
She then added: “But I didn’t enjoy that moment.”
Mariah commented that there was “an empathy that can be applied to those moments that I would have liked to have been implemented.”
Last month, Ellen’s show was canceled in Australia on a network whose broadcasters are now freely discussing Ellen’s scandal without a conflict of interest.
Today Extra cohost Sylvia Jeffreys has commented on the painful 2008 clip.
“Oh it’s awful, it’s ugly, ugly behaviour,” she expressed.
“And if she was not in on the joke, which she says she is not, then Ellen really has some explaining to do on that one,” Sylvia stated.
“You cannot put a woman in that position,” she emphasized without spelling out the realities of pregnancy announcements.
“That’s maybe the ugliest thing I’ve seen in this whole saga so far,” Sylvia concluded. “That’s a clear case of bullying.”
As previously reported, The Ellen DeGeneres Show has been canceled in some markets.
In hopes of avoiding such a fate in the United States, executive producer Andy Lassner spoke out this week for the first time since the public has been made privy to an onslaught of allegations about the program’s work environment.
Lassner did so by returning to Instagram after a month-long hiatus and recording a video that featured himself talking directly into the camera.
“Oh, look who it is. If it isn’t Andy Lassner. Well, yes it is. Your eyes do not deceive you,” he began in an obnoxiously flippant manner.
“I’m back. I’ve been away for a little bit dealing with, you know, some stuff. You may have read about it.”
Oh, yes, dude, we’ve read about it — and claims of sexual misconduct, racism and generally abhorrent behavior by those in charge of The Ellen DeGeneres Show should maybe be treated with more respect.
“It’s been a couple of rough months,” added Lassner.
“But it’s when we go through these things, I guess, when we learn the most about ourselves, and maybe even some growth.
“But to tell you it hasn’t been rough would be a lie, and I’ve always been honest with you. It’s been rough. But I’m back.”
Lassner could not sound less serious about the outcries of toxicity behind the scenes of this series; or more focused on himself, as opposed to the victims of all that has allegedly transpired.
Lassner concluded the video by telling fans:
“I love you guys; I miss you and I’ll talk to you soon.”
Hooray? We guess?
Lassner is one of the few lead producers who did NOT get fired last month, as Ellen cleaned house in an attempt to right her quickly sinking ship.
Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman and Jonathan Norman — all of whom have been accused of horribly treated various staffers over the years — were ousted just over two weeks ago by the Warner Bros.
Over the previous couple months, accusations against these executives of racial insensitivity, sexual misconduct and other toxic work problems have come to troubling light.
In a subsequent video conference with employees, DeGeneres told her workers she “wasn’t perfect,” a source who was on the call said to People Magazine.
“I’m a multi-layered person, and I try to be the best person I can be and I try to learn from my mistakes,” the comedian told crew.
She then added a lame apology that went as follows:
“I’m hearing that some people felt that I wasn’t kind or too short with them, or too impatient. I apologize to anybody if I’ve hurt your feelings in any way.”
Due to the overwhelming number of former staffers who said they experienced racism, sexism or different types of aggressive/inappropriate behavior, the show’s production company launched an internal investigation this summer.
The reputation of Ellen herself, meanwhile, has been shattered. Likely forever.
Just consider:
BuzzFeed News published a report at the end of July in which “dozens” of ex-employees accused executive producers of sexual misconduct or harassment.
One of the unnamed producers denied “any kind of sexual impropriety” and another is “100 percent categorically denying” the accusations.
A third producer did not respond to a request for comment by E! News.
This same outlet also talked to one current and 10 former employees of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
These folks came forward with allegations about their time at the program, including claims of a “toxic” work environment led by rude and short-tempered producers.
DeGeneres herself was never directly cited as a source of tension or intimidation.
But she has been accused of just sitting back and laughing while her producers berated or embarrassed her staff.
In a memo to this same staff on July 30, DeGeneres said that she was “disappointed” to learn of the accusations of a toxic work environment on the show.
“On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness – no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect,” she began.
“Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry.
“Anyone who knows me knows it’s the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show.”
DeGeneres added that she accepted responsibility and was “committed to ensuring this does not happen again.”
The Ellen DeGeneres Show is scheduled to return to the air September 9.
Should be quite the interesting premiere, huh?
