Ellen DeGeneres, once celebrated for her groundbreaking career and upbeat persona, faced a dramatic turn in public opinion triggered by a tweet from comedian Kevin T. Porter.
In March 2020, Porter’s call for stories about Ellen’s alleged unkindness went viral, drawing thousands of responses and casting a shadow over her image.
Ellen’s rise to fame was marked by milestones like her 2003 talk show debut and her role as Dory in “Finding Nemo,” following her public coming out in 1997.
Despite her reputation for kindness, rumors circulated in Hollywood for years suggesting a disparity between her public image and private demeanor.
The tipping point came in 2020 when criticism intensified after Ellen was seen socializing with former President George W. Bush, prompting accusations of hypocrisy given Bush’s controversial policies affecting the LGBTQ community.
The “Be Kind” Backlash
Ellen’s mantra of “be kind to one another” became ironically divisive as more voices, including guests like Nikkie de Jager, criticized her alleged coldness and inconsistency with her public message.
Amid mounting criticism, allegations surfaced from former employees about workplace toxicity, racism, and bullying at her talk show.
This led to internal investigations, firings of executive producers, and Ellen publicly apologizing for failing to maintain the show’s promised positive environment.
Impact on Career and Future
The backlash severely impacted Ellen’s show ratings, which plummeted significantly by 2022.
Despite attempts to defend her legacy by supporters and her wife Portia, Ellen announced her departure from daytime television, citing a coordinated attack against her.
Moving Forward
Ellen plans to release a new Netflix comedy special, marking a shift away from the spotlight amidst ongoing controversies and canceled live shows, signaling a challenging period in her storied career.
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