For Ellen DeGeneres, kindness is more than an ethos. It’s a brand. The comedian, actor and chat show host has built a career on being America’s goofy, funny big sister. She has befriended celebrities - remember that record-breaking selfie? - taken viral sensations to the mainstream and shown incredible generosity by donating money to many of her less fortunate chat show guests. But beneath the surface it has become increasingly clear that kindness is far from dominant behind the scenes.
This week, she has addressed the controversy in a note to staff. 'I'm so sorry for what this has become,' she wrote. 'I've left this to be a well-oiled machine and I realise it's not a machine... it's human beings. I apologise for anyone whose feelings I've hurt. I'm not perfect. I'm multi-layered and I learn from my mistakes. I care about each and every one of you. I'm grateful for each and every one of you.'
And now, it's being reported the host has allegedly told staff that the rumours that doesn't invite eye contact are not only untrue, but 'insane' - with Page Six also reporting that she told her 200 staff she is 'introverted' and has 'good and bad days' on a conference call.
The letter and call follow reports from earlier this month that Ellen’s hit show - The Ellen DeGeneres Show - was subject to an internal investigation. The claims followed anonymous complaints by ten people - most of them former employees - which collectively alleged that the programme is ‘dominated by fear.’
Ellen addressed the controversy via another letter to staff - published by Variety - in which she insists that it didn’t start in such a way and that, clearly, the everyday working environment has changed exponentially. She makes no comment on rumours that Ed Glavin - the shows executive producer - is set to step down from his position.
‘No one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect,’ she writes. ‘Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry. Anyone who knows me knows it’s the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show.’
‘I could not have the success I’ve had without all of your contributions… I’ve not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I’d want them done. Clearly some didn’t. That will now change and I’m committed to ensuring this does not happen again.’
‘I’m also learning that people who work with me and for me are speaking on my behalf and misrepresenting who I am and that has to stop,’ she added.
‘As someone who was judged and nearly lost everything for just being who I am, I truly understand and have deep compassion for those being looked at differently, or treated unfairly, not equal, or – worse – disregarded.’ Ellen is referring to the Hollywood blacklisting she experienced in the Nineties after she publicly came out as gay.
What will change? Watch this space…
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