Ellen DeGeneres apologizes over accusations of toxic work environment

While 2020 has been a rough year for many, it’s apparently been especially so for Ellen DeGeneres. The famous talk show host was accused of fostering a toxic work environment on the set of her long-running series, and numerous employees have come forward with stories of their own.

To check out a timeline of all the accusations Ellen and her talk show have faced this year, check out a rundown by Insider here.

Now, Ellen DeGeneres is sharing her side with the world.

As reported by Us Weekly, she spoke our during a five-minute monologue during a new episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show and didn’t hold back on addressing the allegations. “If you’re watching because you love me, thank you. If you’re watching because you don’t love me, welcome,” she began.

From there, Ellen delivered a heartfelt apology to anyone who’s been affected negatively in their time working on her show. “As you may have heard this summer, there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show and then there was an investigation,” she said on the September 21 episode. “I learned that things happened that never should have happened. I take that very seriously.”

“I want to say I am so sorry to the people who are affected. 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 added.

You can see her speech in full below.

Ellen also acknowledged that she’s built up a public perception of herself that she needs to uphold. “Being known as the ‘be kind’ lady is a tricky position to be in,” she continued in a more joking manner. “So let me give you some advice out there if anybody’s thinking of changing their title or giving yourself a nickname, do not go with the ‘be kind’ lady. Don’t do it. The truth is I am that person that you see on TV.”

Most importantly, Ellen assured fans that a new chapter is coming, as you can see she captioned her Twitter post of the video. While viewers want to believe everything the talk show host is saying, many are hesitant.

Among the many accusations she’s faced include being “one of the meanest people alive,” allegedly regulating what her crew ate and when, and not updating her employees on hours or pay amid the COVID-19 shutdowns.

It appears Ellen is going to have to do a lot more than just perform a monologue to get the general public back on her side, but we’re hopeful that will happen.