Los Angeles, California – After two years of silence, Ellen DeGeneres has returned to the stage to kick off her Ellen’s Last Stand…Up Tour in Los Angeles. The former host of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” took the opportunity to address her absence from the public eye and reflect on the tumultuous events that led to the end of her long-running talk show.
DeGeneres candidly spoke about the backlash she faced in 2020, following accusations of a toxic workplace environment on her show. She acknowledged the impact of the Buzzfeed News report that detailed claims of racism, fear, and intimidation by current and former employees. The comedian admitted that she struggled to maintain her “be kind” persona in the face of harsh criticism.
During the opening night of her tour, DeGeneres connected with her audience on a deeper level, sharing her vulnerability and opening up about the emotional toll of the show’s ending. Despite the challenges she faced, she expressed gratitude for the relationships and memories built over the 19 years of her show.
The revelations of the toxic workplace environment on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” prompted DeGeneres to take responsibility for the actions of her executive producers and senior managers. She expressed remorse for the negative experiences that some staff members endured, pledging to create a safer and more inclusive work environment moving forward.
Following the final episode of her talk show in May 2022, DeGeneres embarked on her comedy tour, offering audiences a glimpse into her personal journey and reflections on the past. The tour is set to continue with additional shows scheduled in Los Angeles and other West Coast cities in the coming months.
Through her comedy and honesty, Ellen DeGeneres is using her platform to navigate the challenges of the past and embrace a new chapter in her career. As she continues to connect with fans through her performances, she remains committed to addressing the issues that led to the end of her iconic talk show.