NEW YORK (AFP) – Ellen DeGeneres opened the 18th season of her talk show Monday (Sept 21) by addressing allegations of toxic workplace culture under her watch, saying "I take responsibility for what happens at my show."
It was the first time the staple of daytime US television publicly addressed controversy surrounding her, after BuzzFeed News published a report over the summer detailing a culture of fear among her employees that included accusations of sexual misconduct, racism and intimidation from the show's management.
The scathing reports followed rumours and anecdotal posts on social media that DeGeneres was difficult to work with – and not nearly as nice as her feel-good show portrayed her to be.
"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 and I realised that with that comes responsibility, and I take responsibility for what happens at my show," DeGeneres said in her opening monologue, released online ahead of its broadcast later Monday.
DeGeneres said her show was kicking off a "new chapter" after "necessary changes" following an internal investigation from parent company Warner Media.
The long-time comedian, actor and host also joked that she was in a tough position given her reputation as the "be kind" lady, a nickname she earned after she urged kindness following the suicide of a a young man who was bullied for being gay.
"Being known as the 'be kind' lady is a tricky position to be in," DeGeneres said. "So let me give you some advice out thRead More – Source
