In her latest Netflix special, Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval, which premiered on September 24, the comedian opened up about the impact of workplace allegations that surfaced in 2020, branding her as “mean.”
The allegations, reported by BuzzFeed News, cast a shadow over DeGeneres’s reputation after her talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, concluded in May 2022 after 19 seasons. Reflecting on her experiences, the 66-year-old star expressed how these accusations affected her mental health, stating, “The thought of anyone thinking that I’m mean was devastating to me, and it consumed me for a long time.”
During her special, DeGeneres conveyed a sense of relief in stepping away from the pressures of being a public figure, saying, “I’m happy not being a boss or a brand or a billboard, just a person.” She described herself as a “multifaceted person” with a range of emotions, emphasizing her strengths and vulnerabilities. “I have OCD and ADD. I’m honest. I’m generous. I’m sensitive and thoughtful,” she shared, while also acknowledging traits like impatience and directness.
The audience responded enthusiastically, giving her a standing ovation as she expressed pride in her personal growth. DeGeneres also highlighted the challenges of public perception, noting, “When you’re a public figure, you’re open to everyone’s interpretation. But you know the truth and that’s all that matters.”
She elaborated on her journey in comedy, explaining how it made her overly concerned about public opinion: “If they like you, you’re in, and if they don’t, you’re out.” Over time, she has gained perspective, remarking, “After a lifetime of caring, I just can’t anymore. So I don’t.”
Despite the controversies surrounding her, DeGeneres expressed a desire for her legacy to be one of warmth rather than negativity. “If I have a choice of people remembering me as someone who was mean or someone who was beloved… I choose that,” she affirmed.
While she maintains that the allegations did not influence her decision to end the show, the reflections presented in her final special reveal a deeper understanding of herself and her public persona.
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