Ellen DeGeneres is addressing the toxic workplace scandal that resulted in the firing of three of her top producers in 2020, as she prepares to end her hit talk show this week after 19 seasons on the air.
The 64-year-old TV presenter described the controversy as a “very, very difficult time” and said she was “crying every day” while filming parts of her latest series, the final episode of which will air tomorrow.
However, Eileen also revealed that she was trying to keep the last two weeks of filming “Fun”, due to her “struggle with anxiety and depression”.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter The comedian said she originally planned to shut down the show three years ago, before allegations of the toxic environment surfaced, but that it was talked about staying.
Eileen told the publication when asked if she had any “regrets” for her decision to end the series when she did so: “They talked me into staying a little longer and I did and that’s okay.”
‘I was crying every day’: Ellen DeGeneres talks about ending her hit show after 19 seasons as she tackles toxic workplace scandal
Referring to the scandal, the veteran star said: ‘There was a lot that happened during that time which is unfortunate but it is what it is – you go through things in life and you keep learning and growing. This is how I should look at it.
Executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Lyman and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman were fired in 2020 amid allegations of misconduct, sexual harassment, bullying and intimidation.
Both Lyman and Norman have vehemently denied the allegations, while Glaven has not publicly addressed the allegations.
Eileen apologized after rumors of her bad behavior including being “mean” to employees, saying at the time: “I am so sorry for the people affected.”
Emotional: The 64-year-old TV presenter admitted that she was “crying every day” while filming her latest series, the final episode of which airs tomorrow.
After following up on the series, the former sitcom star told THR that she thought it was time for it to end, saying the world was “in a crazy place” and had become “very charged”.
But it is definitely time to stop. And the producers, we’ll all keep in touch. dew [Lassner, her executive producer] You still text me at least three times a day,”
Eileen was also asked if she had any regrets about ending the show sooner, which might have avoided backlash in the workplace, but she points out that it happened for a reason.
“I just have to trust that everything that happened during that time, which was obviously very difficult, happened for a reason,” she explained.
I think I learned a lot, and there were some things that shocked and surprised me. It was amazing, but I trust it has to happen.
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When it came to filming the last series, Eileen revealed that it was an emotional process.
There was a time for two months when I cried every day. I was really emotional, even though it was my choice, the right choice. I knew it was time to end this chapter and do something different, but it’s still really emotional.
The show’s final episode was pre-recorded in April, and Elaine explained how she tried to put herself in a more positive mindset while filming.
‘But I didn’t want the last two weeks to be around that. Every day I meditated on my intention and how much I wanted to be there and enjoy it and I wanted it for the audience as well.
I wanted people to be reminded of what we do on TV with music, games and everything. It’s been a variety show more than anything, and I wanted the last two weeks to be totally fun because I struggle with anxiety and depression and know how important an escape is.
And the next step: Elaine and her wife, Portia de Rossi, will flee to Rwanda after their last show; Pictured 2014
We are reminded every day of what is happening in the world, from a sick family member to wars, fires and global warming. There are a lot of different things that make you sad.
Ellen’s last guest is Jennifer Aniston, chosen because the Friends star was the first-ever guest star on the talk show in 2003.
She also welcomed Oprah Winfrey to her famous couch this week, and the talk show’s vet gave her some sage advice.
She said I won’t really feel like it until September, when I usually come back [into production]Eileen revealed.
With the show coming to a close, the TV star will be spending time in Rwanda with his wife Porta de Rossi, where she has opened an educational campus that helps rescue wild mountain gorillas.
Controversy: Elaine announced in May of 2021 that the show would end after complaints about a toxic workplace from employees on the show that led to an internal investigation from Warner Bros.
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